THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

Thames Advertiser, Volume VII, Issue 1915, 10 December 1874, Page 2

THE TRANSIT OF VENUS.

So far as the Thames was concerned, all the preparations for observing the transit of Yenus yesterday were utterly useless. Not from first to last was there the slightest chance of getting a sight of this most important and rarely occnring astronomical phenomenon. The disappointment is general throughout the community, for the long expectation of this event, and the extensive preparations made for its observation at different places at immense cost, have interested many whodonotusually trouble themselves about the stars or the planets. Mr Severn is to be sympathised with. For months, for years perhaps, he has worked to have everything in order. He has an eleven-inch reflecting telescope, with an apparatus fitted by which he can photograph the object in view at any instant. The whole apparatus is of his own construction and fitting, and displays a large amount of patience, scientific knowledge,' and mechanical skill. The most cordial assistance has been given by the Government and by the officers of the Telegraph Department. A house has. been erected, in which there aro two batteries, one of a hundred cells, with which communication has been had with Burnham. Jhe chronometers were under the charge of Mr Tyler and Mr Hollis, with whose time-signalling Lieut. Palmer a few nights ago expressed perfeot satisfaction. There was also a dark room,' fitted up with every necessary for photography. Jn this department Mr Severn was assisted by Mr Spencer and Mr Burgess; Mr Veitch and Mr Ward were also present to render aid with the instrument and to look after the wind screens which had been erected. It is rare that in December in this climate the sun is clouded, and yesterday's misfortune is the more tantalising as for weeks past we have had brilliant sunshine. Tuesday, however, was gloomy, and the chances looked bad, lint we hoped for the best. Between 8 and 9 o'clock yesterday morning we had a gleam of sunshine, and then the whole sky was thickly clouded till about half-past 12, when, for about a minute, the sun again shone out. At this time Mr Severn was at his post, and liad "a fine sight of the centre of the solar system. But things got worse and worse-clouds piled on clouds till the air was dark. During the whole time of the transit not a glimpse could be had, and at the time when it must have been concluding a very heavy shower fell, We must hope for better weather eight years hence, when the next trausit takes placb, and for our successors in a hundred and twenty years hence. During the transit Major Palmer telegraphed as follows to Mr Severn: —" Ingress could not be perfectly observed because of passing clouds, but hope to get good egress. We had glimpses of itigross, but nothing critical or definite could be caught. Ail uncertain to some seconds. Sorry you have had such bad luck, and hopo you will secure ogress.—H.S.Pjxmeb." The last telegram, dated at G. 16 p.m., was as follows: Have you got interior con-* tact at egress; if not, time signals are needless for this evening. Nothing done here at egress, and nothing of value at ingress.—H. S. Palmer," We aro afraid that at the Chatham Islands good weather could hardly be expected, and it is only to be hoped that at other parts of the world good observations iiavo been taken. Lieutenant Palmer must feel deeply disappointed,