Star-land: Being Talks With Young People About the Wonders of the Heavens

by Robert S. Ball

At the end of this handle to the Great Square of Pegasus is the star α, in the constellation of Perseus. It lies between two other stars γ and δ. We refer to [Fig. 84], in which these stars are shown. We there employed the figure to indicate the position of Algol, the remarkable variable star. Your map will also point out some other important stellar features. If we curve round the three marked γ, α, and δ of Perseus, the eye is conducted to Capella, a gem of the first magnitude in the constellation of Auriga. Close to Capella is a long triangle, the corners of which are the “Hœdi,” the three kids—which Capella is supposed to nurture.

If we carry a curve through γ, α, δ, of Perseus, and now bend it in the opposite way, the eye is led through ε and ζ in the same constellation, and then on to the Pleiades, of which we have already spoken.

Fig. 94.—Orion and Sirius.

Perseus lies in one of the richest parts of the heavens. The Milky Way stretches across the group, and the sky is strewn with stars beyond number. Even an opera-glass directed to this teeming constellation cannot fail to afford the observer a delightful glimpse of celestial scenery.

We may, however, specially remind the beginner that the objects on this map are not always to be seen, and as an illustration of the way in which the situation and the visibility of the constellations are affected by the time of year, I shall take the case of the Pleiades and follow them through a season. Let us suppose that we make a search for this group at 11 P.M. every night. On the 1st of January, the Pleiades will be found high up in the sky in the southwest. On the 1st of March, they will be setting in the west at the same hour. On the 1st of May, the Pleiades are not visible, neither are they on the 1st of July. On the 1st of September, they will be seen low down in the east. On the 1st of November, they will be high in the heavens in the southeast. On the ensuing 1st of January, the Pleiades will be found back in the same place which they occupied on the same date in the preceding year, and so on throughout the cycle. Of course, you will not suppose that their changes are due to actual motions in the group of stars themselves. They are merely apparent, and are to be explained by the motion of the earth round its axis, and the revolution around the sun.

Next we are to become acquainted with the glory of our winter skies, the constellation of Orion, [Fig. 94]. I dare say many of my readers are already familiar with the well-known twin stars which form the belt of Orion, but if not, they will be able to recognize it by the help of the groups already learned. Imagine a line drawn from the Pole Star through Capella, and then produced as much further again, and we shall be conducted into the precincts of Orion. This group lies on the equator, and, consequently, it is equally familiar to southern astronomers and to those of the north. It can be best seen by those who observe it from or near the equator.

The brightest star in Orion is known either as α Orionis or as Betelgeuze, by which name it is represented in the figure. This star is of the first magnitude, and so is Rigel on the opposite side of the belt. The three stars of the belt and the two others, γ and κ, at which they point above and below, are of second magnitude.

The owner of a telescope finds especial attractions in this constellation. Notably among the subjects which will interest him is the Great Nebula, the position of which is indicated in our figure. Under the middle of the belt are a few stars, around which is a hazy light that is perceptible with the smallest telescopic aid. Viewed by instruments of adequate proportions, these have developed into a marvellous nebula of glowing gas, attaining to dimensions so vast that no one has yet ever attempted to estimate them.

The vicinity of Orion is also enriched with some of the most interesting stellar objects. Follow the line of the belt upwards to the right, and your eye is conducted to a ruddy first magnitude star named Aldebaran, in the constellation of the Bull. This is a pleasing object, which the beginner will sometimes be apt to confuse with the planet Mars, to which, under certain circumstances, it certainly bears a resemblance. Another very pleasing little group, known as the Hyades, will be found near Aldebaran. If the line of the belt of Orion be carried down to the left, it will be found to point to Sirius, or the Dog Star.