II. On the spectrum of the Great Nebula in the sword-handle of Orion

Abstract

In a paper recently presented to the Royal Society, I gave the results of the application of prismatic analysis to some of the objects in the heavens known as nebulæ. Eight of the nebulæ examined gave a spectrum indicating gaseity, and, of these, six belong to the class of small and comparatively bright objects which it is convenient to distinguish still by the name of planetary. These nebulæ present little indication of probable resolvability into discrete points, even with the greatest optical power which has yet been brought to bear upon them.