By BISHOP WARREN.
All have noticed that the tables of distances, magnitudes, etc., as
printed in “Studies of the Stars” and “Recreations in Astronomy,”
do not in all cases agree. In the latest edition of “Studies of the
Stars,” the tables have been made to correspond to those in the
“Recreations.” The reason of the discrepancy is the fact that we do
not absolutely know the distance of the earth from the sun, which
distance is the golden reed with which we measure the city of God. We
are seeking to determine this distance. To this end we have fitted out
expeditions to observe the transit of Venus, and are now expending time
and money most prodigally. The difficulties are alluded to, page 61
of the “Recreations”: “To mistake the breadth of a hair, seen at the
distance of 125 feet would cause an error of 3,000,000 miles at the
distance of the sun, and immensely more at the distance of the stars.”
That accounts for the greater discrepancies in the tables as the
objects measured are farther off. It is better to commit to memory the
tables in the “Recreations,” as they are the latest.
* * * * *
Love of reading enables a man to exchange the wearisome hours of life
which come to every one, for hours of delight.—_Montesquieu._