under the maps for this month, is the same which, eight months ago, was above the western horizon. (The actual point of the star-sphere rising at any moment in the eastthat is, due east-is of course the same which six months before had been, or six months after will be, passing below the western horizon at the same hour of the day; but as a star-group of considerable size may be an hour or two in clearing the horizon, either rising or setting, it may be seven or eight months before a constellation which had been just wholly above the western horizon is seen wholly above the eastern horizon at the same hour.) It will be observedand the point is well worth careful noting-that the position Fig. 24.-Boötes and Corona Borealis. of Pegasus is entirely changed from that which it had occupied before it began to pass below the western horizon in January. Then the head of Pegasus was close to the horizon, and on the left as you stood facing the west. Now, though his head lies towards the left, it is much higher above the horizon than the winged back. In both cases, however, the horse is represented in an unnatural position, or at least in a position which a horse could only assume by accident. But then a winged horse may, perhaps, be considered free to assume any attitude he pleases, to have his head or his back lowest at will-his feet on this side or that or flourishing upwards. Again, observe that now in the east, Aquarius (the Water Bearer), as yet, however, only partially above the horizon, lies to the right of Pegasus; whereas in January Aquarius had already completely set at the same hours. On the other hand, Cetus has not yet risen in the east even in part (the Sea Monster will begin to show a part of his vast bulk next month); whereas in January the whole of this constellation was above the horizon, but towards the south-west, so as not to fall into the western map for that month. The Milky Way, where it crosses the eastern sky, is full of beauty and interest. It is singularly bright in the space between the stars ẞ, y, and 8 of the constellation Cygnus. In the west (p. 169) there is little specially to notice, except the noble figure presented by Boötes (the Herdsman) (Fig. 24), now mere favourably placed for study as a constellation than at any other season of the year. |