Abstract
IN NATURE of the 4th of January last Mr. J. Carpenter gives an interesting sketch of the arrangements in progress for observing the forthcoming Transit of Venus. He states that French and German astronomers have decided on establishing a station of observation at Muscat (Mascate) or at some place between that nasty little port and Teheran. Now, as a point along this line is considered so favourable by Continental astsonomers, will you allow me through your pages to call Mr. Airy's attention to the peculiar advantages of Jask in this respect. Cape Jask, on the Mekran Coast, is situated, roughly, in lat. 25½ N. and long. 57½ E. We have here a large and intelligent English telegraph staff, and work a double line of telegraphs to Europe. We have three large stone-built bungalows (houses) with strong, flat, cement-covered roofs, which are approached by spacious staircases. The large bungalow, forming the clerks' quarters, is about 250 feet long, 20 high, and 40 broad. It is divided in the centre by a sort of tower, in which are situated the stairs leading to the roof. The latter would be a most convenient place for erecting the astronomical instruments, &c. There is no telegraphic communication with Muscat, and it is about two days' sail, with a fair wind, from Jask, which is the nearest telegraph station. Should the Astronomer Royal decide on sending out a couple of observers here, I promise them a hospitable reception and every assistance. The fortnightly mail steamers between Bombay and Bussorah, pass within fifteen or twenty miles of this place, and could be early induced by Government to call in and land the party.
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FARIE, J. The Approaching Transit of Venus. Nature 6, 81 (1872). https://doi.org/10.1038/006081b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/006081b0
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