Our Astronomical Column

Abstract

THREE BRILLIANT STELLAR SYSTEMS.—Prof.T. J. J. See, with the aid of the 24-inch refractor of the Lowell Observatory, in Mexico, has recently discovered (Astr. Journal, No. 396) three objects which “may be regarded as amongst the most splendid systems in the heavens.” The first, discovered in January last, is α Phœnicis, its position for 1900 being R.A. oh. 21m. I9˙5s., decl.–42° 50’ 48″˙1. The primary of this double has a magnitude of 2˙4, the companion being as faint as a thirteenth mag. star. This inequality, combined with the deep orange or reddish colour of α Phœnicis, renders the system both striking and difficult. The mean of some measures made for determination of the position of the components was 1897˙041, pos. angle 272°˙7, dist. 9”˙73. The second of these objects, also a very southern star, is μ Velorum with a magnitude of nearly 3, the companion being 11, of a purplish colour and very near the large star. [R.A. 1oh. 42m. 28s., decl.–48° 53’ 31″(1900)]. This system is described as one of the most extraordinary in the heavens, and likely to have a very large orbital motion. Measurements of position gave for 1897˙059, pos. angle 62°˙7, dist. 2″˙54. The third and last of these objects, η Centauri, situated at R.A. 14h.29m. 10s., and decl. –41° 42″ 59”(1900). The components are of magnitude 2˙5 and 13˙5, being yellow and purple in colour. The system is described as extremely difficult, requiring a powerful telescope to see it. The relative positions of the components is given for 1897˙051, as pos. angle 27odeg;˙1, dist. 5″˙65.