Bailey's beads, dots of light on the edge of the moon seen in a solar eclipse, caused by the moon's inequalities of surface.

Base line, [68].

Biela's comet, [129].

Binary system, a double star, the component parts of which revolve around their centre of gravity.

Bode's law of planetary distances is no law at all, but a study of coincidences.

Bolides, small masses of matter in space. They are usually called meteors when luminous by contact with air, [120].

Celestial sphere, the apparent dome in which the heavenly bodies seem to be set; appears to revolve, [3].

Centre of gravity, the point on which a body, or two or more related bodies, balances.

Centrifugal force (centre fleeing).

Chromolithic plate of spectra of metals, to face [50].