Our Astronomical Column

Abstract

SCHMIDT'S VARIABLE-STAR IN VIRGO.—On June 6, 1866, Schmidt remarked, east and south of Spica, a star which he at first estimated 4m., subsequently 5.4, not found in Argelander's Uranowelria; it was much better visible than i Virginis, the reddish-yellow fifth magnitude south of Spica. By observations during the next fortnight its light appeared to have slowly diminished, nevertheless on June 19 it was still visible with the naked eye, though there was strong moonlight. On examination of the catalogues, &c., it was found that Lalande estimated it 6.7 on May 10, 1795; Piazzi calls it 6.7 and 7 in the Sloria Celeste, not 8 as in the printed catalogue: Bremicker entered it of the seventh magnitude on his Berlin chart, while Lamont calls it 8 m. in Zone 355, observed on May 22, 1846. Heis has it 6.7, while Gould says, “Var. 5½-6½.” Houzeau judged it a sixth magnitude at the date 1875.11. We have thus evidence that it has been pretty conspicuously visible to the naked eye, while, on the authority of Bremicker and Lamont, it has been at other times beyond average unassisted vision.