A LITTLE ABOUT THE PLANET VENUS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 6385, 28 November 1890, Page 3

A LITTLE ABOUT THE PLANET VENUS.

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This, the most brilliant orb to be seen in the evening sty at the present time by the inhabitants of this part of our-earth, with the exception of the earth’s only satellite the moon, is the second nearest planet to the sun, its calculated distance from that great luminary being 68 millions of miles. Its diurnal motion or the length of its day is the same as our own within a few minutes. Its diameter is 7700 miles, a little less than our earth’s, and the length of its year 225 days, and it receives about double the heat and light which reaches our earth. One astronomer has measured mountains oh its surface from 3 to 22 miles high. Neither this planet nor Mercury is attended by satellites. Those who have devoted their lives to the study and solution of these mysterious problems, have calculated that this planet is propelled on its annual motion round the sun, at the amazing rate of 80,000 miles an hour, the planet Mercury at the tremendous rate of 109,000 miles an hour, and our earth at 68,009 miles an hour. The nearer to the great luminary the more rapid the rate at which the planets aro carried forward. The planet Yeans is the nearest one to our earth, and when at stated intervals of time it approaches nearest to us is about 27,000,000 miles distant, and at this time, were the whole of her enlightened surface turned towards the earth would exhibit a light and brilliancy. 25 times .greater than it generally does, but at that time its dark hemisphere is turned towards our globe. Most distinct and beautiful views of Venus are to be obtained In the day time by means of what is called an equatorial telescope. Might not this subject, and its bearings be profitably mixed with the stale pulpit orations we sometimes listen to P T.S.