STARRY SKIES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIV, Issue 16318, 14 August 1913, Page 5

STARRY SKIES.

SEEN FROM CANTERBURY COL-

LEGE OBSERVATORY.

“ AN EXCELLENT TELESCOPE.”

(By MISS MARY PROCTOR.)

An opportunity was given to me last, evening to visit the Canterbury College Observatory, and I arrived there about half-past- seven. It was a race with the clouds which were rapidly covering tho sky, but by tho time tho telescope was in readiness and the dome opened the clouds had vanished and I had a splendid view, that is, making due allowance for the fact that it was a moonlit night-. One of tho students at the College manipulated the telescope, and the first object to which it was turned was the magnificent cluster Omega in the constellation of the Centaur. Tho sprays and wreaths of stars were clearly discernible, giving one some idea of how they would look on a, moonless night. Then we examined the double star Alpha in tho Centaur, our next door neighbour star in space, and took in iurn the four stars in the Southern Cross. Alpha, a star of the first magnitude, is a dazzling white doublo star, with a minute companion star near by. Beta is a white star of the second magnitude, with a rubv-coloured small ■-'tar in tho same field of view. Gamma i; a lovely red star, and Delta a yellow . c tar of tlie third magnitude. Our attention was next turned to Kappa Cruris, or the Jewel Casket as it is sometimes called, and tho colours of tho different stars in the group were remarkably dear and well defined.

Turning tho telescope towards tho moon we saw Tycho and its radiating s treaks extending as far as tho Sea. of Humours, a great plain seemingly covered with a sheet- of ice reflecting tho surrounding shadows. Finally, our attention was directed to Jupiter, and three of its satellites. Despite the moonlight, tho equatorial belts surrounding the planet wore clearly discernible. and again gave promise of the possibilities on a night when tho moon’s light would not make observation of detail a difficult matter.

Undoubtedly, the telescope is an excellent one, and tho evening was one of tho many delightful experiences I have had in gazing upon the- wonders of starland.