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Abstract

As the visibility of an occultation, like that of a solar eclipse,
depends upon the position of the observer, the chance of such
an event being visible in any particular locality is rather
scanty. On looking down the list of suuthern occultations of
Jupiter for the current year, I saw there were three that came
temptingly near us. Whilst in close proximity, and especially at re-appearance, I
carefully studied the relative luminosity of the moon and
planet, especially with reference to the question of the planet's
being in any degree self-luminous. However, as an eye estimate, I was struck with
the apparent smallness of the difference in the luminosity of the
two bodies, as compared with their vast difference of distance from
the sun. Still, as against the theory of the
planet's being self-luminous by his own glowing heat (as has been suggested), stands the fact, that the luminosity of the
satellites compare about equally with that of the planet. We can hardly imagine these comparatively small bodies to retain
any sensible amount of their supposed original incandescence.
They may, however, receive a considerable amount of light
from the planet itself. This question is one of great interest,
and should be investigated, as it probably will be, on a more
accurate and scientific basis.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Biggs, Alfred Barrett
Keywords:	Royal Society of Tasmania, Van Diemens Land, VDL, Hobart Town, natural sciences, proceedings, records
Journal or Publication Title:	Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
ISSN:	0080-4703
Collections:	Royal Society Collection > Papers & Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania
Additional Information:	In 1843 the Horticultural and Botanical Society of Van Diemen's Land was founded and became the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science in 1844. In 1855 its name changed to Royal Society of Tasmania for Horticulture, Botany, and the Advancement of Science. In 1911 the name was shortened to Royal Society of Tasmania.
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