Word: faintest
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1900-1909
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...observation employed, known as Argelander's method, is essentially as follows. A series of stars of constant brightness is selected, as near as possible to the variable to be observed, in such a way that the brightest is somewhat brighter than the variable at its maximum intensity, and the faintest somewhat fainter than the variable at minimum. Between these extremes the stars differ one from another in brilliance by about half a magnitude, and they are designated by letters in the order of brilliance. This sequence of stars of known magnitude enables the brightness of the variable star...
...developed in the observatory dark room, by a mechanical method, recently devised by a member of the department. Twelve plates are placed at one time in a brass frame, which is kept in vertical motion by the action of a large pendulum. As the object is to get the faintest details, rather than the artistic effect of lights and shadows all plates are treated as if under exposed. In this way twenty-four plates may be developed simultaneously without requiring any constant attention. Previously this same work required the attention of several men, during a long period of time. After...