A view of the heavens : Being a short, but comprehensive, system of modern astronomy. Exhibiting, I. The number, order, distances, magnitudes, and periods of all the planets and their several moons, composing our system, which the learning of the present age esteems as so many worlds full of inhabitants. II. The length of the day and year, with the variety of the seasons in each planet; and also the phænomena of the heavens to the inhabitants thereof. III. Some account of the comets, their number, period, and appearances; and also the directions of their fiery trains thro' the heavens; with probable conjectures of the uses of those amazing bodies. IV. The number, magnitude, and distances of the fixed stars; with their divisions into signs, catalogues, and constellations. V. The true figure of the planets' orbits, with the nature of the motions in them; their aphelions, perihelions, eccentricities, nodes, &c. &c. VI. The inequality in the length of the natural day, commonly called the equation of time. VII. The power that retains the earth and planets in their orbits. VIII. The direct and retrograde motions of all the planets; as also, the reasons why they sometimes appear stationary, or not to move at all. IX. The nature and causes of eclipses, both of the Sun and Moon; with an easy and expeditious method of calculating the eclipses which will happen in any year. X. The description and use of a curious astronomical clock, which will shew the hour of the night by the stars. To which is added, the use of the cælestial globe: with its application to a number of very interesting problems. Concluding with some curious phænomena upon the Sun and Moon exhibited in a darkened room; and a few select paradoxes, intended to excite the attention of the learner. The whole illustrated with copper-plates of the system, the Sun, Moon, eclipses, &c. and disposed so easy and natural a manner, as to be understood in a few days. The second edition, with many additions and improvements. By the Rev. Mr. Turner, of Magdalen-Hall, Oxford; rector of Comberton;-vicar of Elmley;-minister of Norton;-and chaplain to the Right Honourable the Countess Dowager of Wigton.-author of the heavens survey'd;-the view of the Earth;-plain trigonometry rendered easy and familiar;-system of gauging;-chronologer perpetual;-and a new introduction to book-keeping.
by: Turner, R. (Richard), 1723 or 1724-1791
Published: (1783)