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Abstract

Introduction - I lay on tlie table a diagram in whicTi is embodied the elements,
and a full explanation, of tbe transit of Mercury, with
the true path of the planet over the sun's disc on the 5th of
November, 1868. The observations were male with a five
foot equatorially mounted achromatic telescope. Other observations
were also made at the time, and near the same place,
with a small Oregorian reflector. The day was fine, and the
passage of the planet over the sun's disc was observed as a
well-defined round black spot. When the true limb of the
planet reached the true limb of the sun, the light being
cut off, a fine dark ligament appeared to connect the limb of
the planet and the sun, showing the true time at first contact.
The Hobart Town time of transit was computed from the
Nautical Almanac ; the observations made with a half second
chronometer, and when compared with the normal clock it was
found to be remarkably close, I scarcely think one second in
error.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Abbott, Francis
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Monthly Notices of Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

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