The following are some of the observations which have been made with this telescope, and the tests to which it has been subjected. The very small star which accompanies the pole-star is generally one of the first tests applied to telescopes. This small point of light appeared brilliant and distinct; it was best seen with a power of 120, but was visible with a power of 700. The small star in Aldebaran was very distinct with a power of 120. The small star α Lyræ was distinctly visible with the same power. The small star called by Sir J. Herschel _Debilissima_, between 4 ε and 5 Lyræ, whose existence, he says, could not be suspected in either the 5 or 7 feet equatorial, and invisible also with the 7 and 10 feet reflectors of six and 9 inches aperture, but seen double with the 20 feet reflector, is seen very satisfactorily double with this telescope. η Persei, marked as double in South and Herschel’s catalogue, at the distance of 28´´, with another small star at the distance of 3´ 67´´, is seen distinctly sixfold, four of the small stars being within a considerably less distance than the remote one of η marked in the catalogue. And, rejecting the remote star, the principal, and the four other stars, form a miniature representation of Jupiter and his satellites, three of them being nearly in a line on one side, and the other on the opposite. _Castor_, is distinctly double with 120, and well opened and stars perfectly round with 360 and 700: γ Leonis and α Piscium are seen with the same powers equally round and distinct. In ε Bootis, the small star is well separated from the larger, and its blue colour well marked with a power of 360. η Coronæ Borealis is seen double with a power of 360 and 700. 52 Orionis, ζ Orionis, and others of the same class are also well defined with the same powers. In regard to the planets which happened to be visible--Venus appeared beautifully white and well defined with a power of 120, but showed some colour with 360. Saturn with the 120 power, is a very brilliant object, the double ring and belts being well and satisfactorily defined, and with the 360 power, it is still very fine. The moon also is remarkably beautiful, the edges and the shadows being well marked, while the quantity of light is such as to bring to view every minute distinction of figure and shade.
Industry Brief
The Practical Astronomer — Part 153
2026-11-15 10:49:54 · The Daily Ledger
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