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Quotes from Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens — William Herschel

1738–1822 England

← All quotes by William Herschel

9 quotes

An object may not only contain stars, but also nebulosity not composed of them.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

A knowledge of the construction of the heavens has always been the ultimate object of my observations...

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

A proportional condensation of the nebulous matter in the brighter places will sufficiently account for their different degree of shining.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

We may conceive that, perhaps in progress of time these nebulæ which are already in such a state of compression, may be still farther condensed so as actually to become stars.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

The starlike appearance of the following six nebulæ is so considerable that the best description... was to compare them to stars with certain deficiencies.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

We can hardly suppose a possibility of the production of a globular form without a consequent revolution of the nebulous matter, which in the end may settle in a regular rotation about some fixed axis.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

It will be necessary to explain the spirit of the method of arranging the observed astronomical objects under consideration in such a manner, that one shall assist us to understand the nature and construction of the other.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

I must freely confess that by continuing my sweeps of the heavens my opinion of the arrangement of the stars and their magnitudes, and of some other particulars, has undergone a gradual change...

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

An equal scattering of the stars may be admitted in certain calculations; but when we examine the milky way, or the closely compressed clusters of stars... this supposed equality of scattering must be given up.

Astronomical Observations relating to the Construction of the Heavens (1811)

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: William Herschel (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.