curiosity to almost any extent by searching them out for himself.

[Illustration with caption: NEBULA IN ORION]

Ever since 1878 a red spot, unlike any before noticed, has
generally been visible on Jupiter. At first it was for several
years a very conspicuous object, but gradually faded away, so that
since 1890 it has been made out only with difficulty. But it is
now regarded as a permanent feature of the planet. There is some
reason to believe it was occasionally seen long before attention
was first attracted to it. Doubtless, when it can be seen at all,
practice in observing such objects is more important than size of
telescope.





VI

WHAT THE ASTRONOMERS ARE DOING


In no field of science has human knowledge been more extended in
our time than in that of astronomy. Forty years ago astronomical
research seemed quite barren of results of great interest or value
to our race. The observers of the world were working on a
traditional system, grinding out results in an endless course,
without seeing any prospect of the great generalizations to which
they might ultimately lead. Now this is all changed. A new