174. Nekkar is a star of the 3d magnitude, situated in the head, and is about 6° N. E. of Seginus, and 5° W. of Alkaturops; it forms, with Delta and Seginus, nearly a right angled triangle, the right angle being at Nekar. These are the principal stars in this constellation, except the three stars of the 4th magnitude situated in the right hand. These stars may be known by two of them being close together, and about 5° beyond Benetnasch, the first star in the handle of the Dipper. About 6° E. of Benetnasch is another star of the 4th magnitude, situated in the arm which forms, with Benetnasch and the three in the hand, an equilateral triangle. 175. The three stars in the left hand of Bootes, the first in the handle of the Dipper, Cor Caroli, Coma Berenices, and Denebola, are all situated nearly in the same right line, running from northeast to southwest. Bootes follows with redundant light; Fifty-four stars he boasts; one guards the Bear, MANILIUS thus speaks of this constellation :— "And next Bootes comes, whose order'd beams Present a figure driving of his teams. Below his girdle, near his knees, he bears The bright Arcturus, fairest of the stars." 176. Arcturus is mentioned by name in that beautiful passage in Job, already referred to, where the Almighty answers "out of the whirlwind," and says: "Canst thou the sky's benevolence restrain, And cause the Pleiades to shine in vain? Bid Mazzaroth his wonted station know, And teach the bright Arcturus where to glow?" HISTORY. Young's Paraphrase. The ancient Greeks called this constellation Lycaon-a name derived from 2vkos, which signifies a wolf. The Hebrews called it Caleb Anubach, the "Barking Dog;" while the Latins, among other names, called it Canis. If we go back to the time when Taurus opened the year, and when Virgo was the fifth of the zodiacal signs, we shall find that brilliant star Arcturus, so remarkable for its red and fiery appearance, corresponding with a period of the year as remarkable for its heat. Pythagoras, who introduced the true system of the universe into Greece, received it from Enuphis, a priest of On, in Egypt. And this college of the priesthood was the noblest of the east, in cultivating the studies of philosophy and astronomy. Among the high honors which Pharaoh conferred on Joseph, he very wisely gave him in marriage" a daughter of the priest of On." The supposed era of the book of Job, in which Arcturus is repeatedly mentioned, is 1518 B. C. Bootes is supposed by some to be Icarus, the father of Erigone, who was killed by shepherds for intoxicating them. Others maintain that it is Erichthonius, the inventor of chariots. According to Grecian fable, as well as later authorities, Bootes was the son of Jupiter and Calisto, and named Arcas. Ovid relates, that Juno, being incensed at Jupiter for his partiality to Calisto, changed her into a bear, and that her son Arcas, who became a famous hunter, one day roused a bear in the chase, and not knowing that it 174. Of Nekkar? Any other stars? 175. What said of three stars in the hand of Bootes? 176. What star in Bootes mentioned in the Scriptures? Poetic quotation? HISTORY.-Greek name of this constellation? Hebrew? Grecian fable? Ovid's was his mother, was about to kill her, when Jupiter snatched them both up to heaven and placed then among the constellations. Met. b. ii. v. 496-508. "But now her son had fifteen summers told, And would have slain his mother in the beast: And add a luster to the northern skies." LUCAN, in his Pharsalia, says― Garth's Translation. "That Brutus, on the busy times intent, Now half that circle round the pole had run." This constellation is called Bootes, says Cicero (Nat. Deo. Lib. ii. 42), from a Greek word signifying a wagoner, or ploughman; and sometimes Arctophylax from two Greek words signifying bear-keeper or bear-driver. "Arctophylax, vulgo qui dicitur esse Bootes, Quod quasi temone adjunctum præ se quatit Arctum." The stars in this region of the skies seem to have attracted the admiration of almost all the eminent writers of antiquity. Claudian observes, that "Bootes with his wain the north unfolds; The southern gate Orion holds." And Aratus, who flourished nearly 800 years before Claudian, says, "Behind, and seeming to urge on the Bear, Sheds o'er the Arctic car his silver light." This is the poet whom St. Paul refers to when he tells the Athenians, Acts xvii. 28, that "some of their own poets have said, Tov yap kaι yεvos εoμev: For we are also his offspring." These words are the beginning of the 5th line of the "Phenomena " of Aratus, a celebrated Greek poem written in the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus, two thousand one hundred years ago, and afterward translated into Latin verse by Cicero. Aratus was a poet of St. Paul's own country. The apostle borrows again from the same poet, both in his Epistle to the Galatians, and to Titus. The subject of the poem was grand and interesting: hence we find it referred to in the writings of St. Clement, St. Jerome, St. Chrysostom, Ecumenius, and others. As this poem describes the nature and motions of the stars, and the origin of the constellations, and is, moreover, one of the oldest compositions extant upon this interesting subject, the author has taken some pains to procure a Polyglot copy from Germany, together with the Astronomicon of Manilius, and some other works of similar antiquity, that nothing should be wanting on his part which could impart an interest to the study of the constellations, or illustrate the frequent allusions to them which we meet with in the Scriptures. Dr. Doddridge says of the above quotation, that "these words are well known to be found in Aratus, a poet of Paul's own country, who lived almost 300 years before the apostle's time; and that the same words, with the alteration of only one letter, are to be found in the Hymn of Cleanthes, to Jupiter, the Supreme God; which is, beyond comparison, the purest and finest piece of natural religion, of its length, which I know in the whole world of Pagan antiquity; and which, so far as I can recollect, contains nothing unworthy of a Christian, or, I had almost said, of an inspired pen. The apostle might perhaps refer to Cleanthes, as well as to his countryman Aratus." Many of the elements and fables of heathen mythology are so blended with the account? Lucan and Cicero? Claudian? Aratus? Who was Aratus? What remarkable quotation? Remark of Doddridge? What other passage cited by St. Paul? From whom? inspired writings, that they must needs be studied, more or less, in order to have a more proper understanding of numerous passages both in the Old and New Testament. The great apostle of the Gentiles, in uttering his inspired sentiments, and in penning his epistles, often refers to and sometimes quotes verbatim from the distinguished writers who preceded him. Thus, in 1 Cor. xv. 33, we have “ Μη πλαναςθε· “ Φθειρουσιν ηθη χρησθ' ομιλιαι κακαι. Be not deceived; evil communications corrupt good manners;" which is a literal quotation by the apostle from the Thais of Menander, an inventor of Greek comedy, and a celebrated Athenian poet, who flourished nearly 400 years before the apostle wrote his epistle to the Corinthians. Thus Paul adopts the sentiment of the comedian, and it becomes hallowed by "the divinity that stirred within him." Tertullian remarks, that "in quoting this, the apostle hath sanctified the poet's sentiment." TELESCOPIC OBJECTS. 1. a BoÖTIS (Arcturus)—A DOUBLE STAR; R. A. 14h. 08m. 22s.; Dec. N. 20° 00′ 9′′. A 1, reddish yellow; B 11, lilac. 2. B BOOTIS (Nekkar)-A star with a distant companion in the head of the figure; R. A. 14h. 55m. 55s.; Dec. N. 41° 01' 5". A 3, golden yellow: B 11, pale grey. 3. d BOÖTIS-A star with a distant companion in the left shoulder; R. A. 15h. 09m. 03s.; Dec. N. 83° 54' 9". A 3%, pale yellow; B 8%, light blue. 4. & BOOTIS (Mirac)-A DOUBLE STAR in the left hip; R. A. 14h. 88m. 00s.; Dec. N. 27° 45' 1". A 3, pale orange; B7, sea green. A lovely object-colors distinct, and strongly contrasted. 5. BOÖTIS-A close DOUBLE STAR on the left leg; R. A. 14h. 33m. 81s.; Dec. N. 14° 25' 1. A 3%, bright white; B 4%, bluish white. 6. 7 BoÖTIS (Mufride)-A star with a distant companion on the right leg; R. A. 13h. 47m. 048.; Dec. N. 19° 12' 0". About 5% west by south of Arcturus. A 3, pale yellow; B 10%, lilac. 7. BOÖTIS-A DELICATE TRIPLE STAR in the right hand (Map VI.); R. A. 14h. 10m. 80s.; Dec. N. 52° 06′ 4′′. A and B 4%, pale yellow; Č 8, creamy white. 8. BOOTIS-A BINARY STAR on the left knee; R. A. 14h. 44m. 00s.; Dec. N. 19° 46' 1". A 8%, orange; B 6%, purple. Supposed period 400 years. 9. A RICH GROUP of stars in the vicinity of Arcturus, and surrounding that star. May be seen with small telescopes. Map VIII., Fig. 50. 10. A PALE WHITE NEBULA in a nebulous field, 5° north northeast of Alkaid; R. A. 13h. 57m. 81s.; Dec. N. 55° 08′ 8′′. About 5° southeast of Mizar. A difficult object except with a good instrument. 11. A WHITE ROUND NEBULA near the right shoulder; R. A. 14h. 11m. 44s.; Dec. N. 87° 14' 4". Pale, except at the center-telescopic stars in the field. NOCTA (THE OWL).—MAP IV. 177. This small asterism is situated between the feet of Virgo, on the north, and the tail of Hydra, on the south. It has but few stars, and those only of the 5th and 6th magnitudes. It is often omitted altogether from the constellations. CENTAURUS (THE CENTAUR).—MAP IV. AND VII. 178. This fabulous monster is represented by the figure of a man, terminating in the body of a horse, holding a wolf at arm's TELESCOPIC OBJECTS.-Alpha? Beta? Delta? Epsilon? Zeta? Eta? Iota? Xi? What rich group? Point out on the map. What nebulæ ? 177. Describe Nocta, its situation, stars, &c. length in one hand, while he transfixes its body with a spear in the other. Although this constellation occupies a large space in the southern hemisphere, yet it is so low down that the main part of it cannot be seen in our latitude. It is situated south of Spica Virginis, with a mean declination of 50°. It contains thirty-five stars, including two of the 1st magnitude, one of the 2d, and six of the 3d; the brightest of which are not visible in the United States. 179. Theta is a star of between the 2d and 3d magnitude, in the east shoulder, and may be seen from this latitude, during the month of June, being about 27° S. by E. from Spica Virginis, and 12° or 13° above the southern horizon. It is easily recognized in a clear evening, from the circumstance that there is no other star of similar brightness in the same region, for which it can be mistaken. It is so nearly on the same meridian with Arcturus that it culminates but ten minutes before it. Iota is a star of between the 4th and 5th magnitude, in the west shoulder, 9%1⁄2 W. of Theta. It is about 26° almost directly south of Spica Virginis, and is on the meridian nearly at the same time. Mu and Nu are stars of the 4th magnitude, in the breast, very near together, and form a regular triangle with the two stars in the shoulders. A few degrees north of the two stars in the shoulders, are four small stars in the head. The relative position of the stars in the head and shoulders is very similar to that of the stars in the head and shoulders of Orion. HISTORY. Centaurs, in mythology, were a kind of fabulous monsters, half men and half horses. This fable is, however, differently interpreted; some suppose the Centaurs to have been a body of shepherds and herdsmen, rich in cattle, who inhabited the mountains of Arcadia, and to whom is attributed the invention of pastoral poetry. But Plutarch and Pliny are of opinion that such monsters have really existed. Others say, that under the reign of Ixion, king of Thessaly, a herd of bulls ran mad, and ravaged the whole country, rendering the mountains inaccessible; and that some young men, who had found the art of taming and mounting horses, undertook to expel these noxious animals, which they pursued on horseback, and thence obtained the appellation of Centaurs. This success rendering them insolent, they insulted the Lapithæ, a people of Thessaly; and because, when attacked, they fled with great rapidity, it was supposed that they were half horses and half men; men on horses being at that period a very uncommon sight, and the two appearing, especially at a distance, to constitute but one animal. So the Spanish cavalry at first seemed to the astonished Mexicans, who imagined the horse and his rider, like the Centaurs of the ancients, to be some monstrous animal of a terrible form. The Centaurs, in reality, were a tribe of Lapithæ, who resided near Mount Pelion, and first invented the art of breaking horses, as intimated by Virgil. "The Lapithæ to chariots add the state Of bits and bridles; taught the steed to bound Centaurus is so low down in the south that it would be of no service to describe its tele scopic objects. 178. How is Centaurus represented? Its situation? Number of stars, &c.? 179. Theta Iota, Mu, Nu, &c.? HISTORY.-What was Centaurus? Different opinions? LUPUS (THE WOLF).-MAPS V. AND VII. 180. This constellation is situated next east of the Centaur, and south of Libra; and is so low down in the southern hemisphere, that only a few stars in the group are visible to us. It contains twenty-four stars, including three of the 3d magnitude, and as many of the 4th; the brightest of which, when on the meridian, may be seen in a clear evening, just above the southern horizon. Their particular situation, however, will be better traced out by reference to the map than by written directions. The most favorable time for observing this constellation is toward the latter end of June. HISTORY. The This constellation, according to fable, is Lycaon, king of Arcadia, who lived about 8600 years ago, and was changed into a wolf by Jupiter, because he offered human victims on the altars of the god Pan. Some attribute this metamorphosis to another cause. sins of mankind, as they relate, had become so enormous, that Jupiter visited the earth to punish its wickedness and impiety. He came to Arcadia, where he was announced as a god, and the people began to pay proper adoration to his divinity. Lycaon, however, who used to sacrifice all strangers to his wanton cruelty, laughed at the pious prayers of his subjects, and to try the divinity of the god, served up human flesh on his table. This impiety so offended Jupiter, that he immediately destroyed the house of Lycaon, and changed him into a wolf. "Of these he murders one; he boils the flesh, And lays the mangled morsels in a dish; Some part he roasts; then serves it up so dress'd, And bids me welcome to his human feast. Moved with disdain, the table I o'erturned, And with avenging flames the palace burn'd. The tyrant in a fright for shelter gains The neighboring fields, and scours along the plains: But human voice his brutal tongue forsook. His mantle, now his hide, with rugged hairs, TELESCOPIC OBJECTS. 1. a LUPI-A star with a distant companion, in the tail of Lupus; R. A. 5h. 25m. 40s.; Dec. 8. 17° 56′ 5′′. A 8%, pale yellow; B 9%, grey. To find, draw a line from ɛ the central star of Orion's belt, through and its nebulous patch on the sword, as low down, and Sirius, and you meet a Lupi. 2. B LUPI-A DOUBLE STAR; R. A. 5h. 21m. 23s.; Dec. S. 20° 53' 5". A 4, deep yellow; B 11, blue. 3. y LUPI-A wide TRIPLE STAR in a barren field; R. A. 5h. 87m. 48s.; Dec. 22° 80' 2". A 4, light yellow; B 6%, pale green; C 18, dusky. A line from d Orionis through the second cluster, and carried 16° beyond, falls upon it. 4. A bright STELLAR NEBULA, of a milky white tinge; R. A. 5h. 17m. 50s. Dec. S. 24° 89' 9". A fine object blazing towards the centre. 180. Situation of Lupus? Number and magnitude of its stars? Best time to observe? HISTORY.-What was Lupus originally? Why changed and by whom? Described by what poet? TELESCOPIC OBJECTS.-Alpha? Beta? Gamma? What Nebula? |