A little ramble through 19th century astronomy - How to find Uranus in 1865

 Astronomical Register February 1865

 

Sir,- Some of your correspondents have asked for a diagram for the stars near the planet Uranus is at presented situated, I herewith send you one, which I trust will meet the requirements of amateurs. 

To find Uranus.- With the naked eye direct your attention to the constellations Taurus and Gemini. Having noted the stars beta and zeta at the tips of the bull’s horns, and mu, nu and gamma at the feet of the twins, proceed (see diagram) along an imaginary line for my Gemini toward beta Taurus, passing by eta Gemini 4^th mag. To No.1 Gemini full 5^th mag. Between this latter star and beta Taurus will be perceived a triangle of 5^th mag stars, viz: 132, 136 and 139 Taurus. Now the planet Uranus will be found situated a little below a line drawn from 1 Gemini to 132 Taurus, the lowest of the triangle.

Uranus being generally invisible to the naked eye, the telescope must be pointed towards the place indicated in order to see it. Perhaps on first trial it will not be easily found and the star 132 will be in the field; if so this will be readily known by its having a small 7^th mag star near to it. Before leaving this star note well its apparent brightness, for Uranus is not quite so bright, and can easily be found by pointing the telescope a little s.f. 

Having got Uranus in the field, unless you have a large and good telescope, you will only see a dull looking object, and will not be able satisfactory to make out its disc. If now you show it to some of your friends not versed in planetary lore, you will most likely be greeted with “Oh! Is that all?” and excite feelings, if not expressions of scepticism as to its being a planet. 

Unless possessed of a large telescope, the best way of observing Uranus is to use, not a telescope, but far better, a binocular opera or field glass. With such an instrument, Uranus can be found and shown almost instantly. Having other stars in the field at the same time with it, its planetary nature is made palpable in a week, by its varied its position with regard to its neighbours.

 On the 2^nd March when Uranus will be stationary after retrograding, it will be found by the field glass to be below the triangle of 5^th mag stars, and above a small triangle of 7^th mag lying between it and zeta Taurus. 

 

I am, Sir your obedient servant, T M Simkiss

Waterloo Road Wolverhampton

January 16^th 1865

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