Abstract
THE ROTATION OF VENUS.—Since our note last week on this subject, Signor G. Schiaparelli has published in the Astronomische Nachrichten (No. 3304) two letters concerning markings observed on the planet in July, and their bearing upon the question of rotation. The planet was observed from July 3 to 8 under all kinds of conditions, and the conclusion arrived at was that “the aspect of the dusky markings distributed over the disc did not undergo any important modification in form or situation during this period. Save a few small exceptions, all the variations observed belong to the category of those apparent changes o diurnal period which may be explained by the varying state rest and purity ot the atmosphere and the different grades of illumination of the background of the sky. I have soughl with particular care for an indication of any change of place o the most pronounced markings, with reference to the horns anc with reference to the terminator; but I have not been able to make out anything with certainty which would indicate a more rapid rotation.” This letter is accompanied by a sketch showing a marking diverging from the north pole, and another and more decided one proceeding from the terminator near the south pole in an easterly direction, and then curving round towards the north in the direction of a meridian. This marking underwent some slight change between July 5 and 7, the marking along the meridian only appearing on the latter date. In conclusion, Schiaparelli observes that the period of 2247 days appears to be placed beyond all reasonable doubt. The second letter, written after the publication of Brenner's observations, contains a detailed description of Brenner's great marking, which is identical with the marking just described, and also with that observed in December 1877. Schiaparelli remarks that the view, advanced by him in “Considerazioni sul moto rotatorio del Pianete Venere,” that the markings, though in reality atmospheric phenomena, depend to a certain extent upon the topographical conditions underneath, and recur under the same Conditions, appears to be confirmed.
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Our Astronomical Column. Nature 52, 374–375 (1895). https://doi.org/10.1038/052374a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/052374a0