Part 5

Apparently these evanescent wanderers in space are without distinctive features, and baffle classification; but, like all that nature reveals to us, they have been found, for the most part, to conform to certain laws, and to bear certain marks of resemblance that permit of their identification and classification.

By careful observation for over fifty years the meteors, generally speaking, have been so arranged that they come under the head of one of the nearly three hundred distinct showers which are now recognized by astronomers.

Many of these showers are too feeble and faint to be worthy of the attention of one not especially interested in the subject, but certain ones are well worth observing. There is always a pleasure in being able to recognize at a glance a certain definite manifestation of nature, be it a rare flower or a flashing meteor.

The generally accepted theory respecting the meteors is that they were all originally parts of comets now disintegrated, and the four well-known showers of April 20th, August 10th and 14th, and November 27th, bear testimony to this theory.

The apparent velocity of the meteors is between ten and forty-five miles a second, and their average height is about seventy-six miles at first appearance, and fifty-one miles at disappearance. Occasionally a meteor is so large and compact as to escape total destruction, and falls to the earth. Specimens of these meteorites are to be found in our best museums.

I have seen fit to divide the principal meteor showers into four groups, according to the seasons in which they appear, and have placed them respectively at the conclusion of each season's work on the constellations.

By radiant point is meant the point from which the meteors start on their flight. This point is an apparent one, however, due to an illusion of perspective, for the meteors really approach the earth in parallel paths.

The dates given for these showers are those of the maxima, and the meteors should be looked for several nights before and after the dates specified.

The showers that are to be seen after midnight are, unless of special note, omitted.

There are, besides the meteors that have been classified, certain shooting-stars that apparently have no determined radiant point. These are called sporadic meteors.

In these lists of meteors, the radiant point is only approximately given; for scientific purposes a far more exact position is required in terms of right ascension and declination. There are several good lists of meteoric showers to be obtained, which afford this information for those who care to pursue the matter more in detail. See the Rev. T.W. Webb's book, entitled _Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes_. For purposes of identification, the radiant points here given will be found for the most part sufficient.

NOTE.

Many readers of this book may be the fortunate possessors of small telescopes. It may be that they have observed the heavens from time to time in a desultory way and have no notion that valuable and practical scientific research work can be accomplished with a small glass. If those who are willing to aid in the great work of astrophysical research will communicate with the author he will be pleased to outline for them a most practical and fascinating line of observational work that will enable them to share in the advance of our knowledge respecting the stars. It is work that involves no mathematics, and its details are easily mastered.

THE NAMES OF THE STARS AND THEIR MEANINGS.

ACUBENS, [a] _Cancri_, "the claws."

Situated in one of the Crab's claws. It is white in color and culminates[1] March 18th.

A-DAR'-A, [e] _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins," a name for four stars, of which Adara is brightest.

Situated in the Dog's right thigh. It is pale orange in color, and culminates Feb. 11th.

ADHIL, [e] _Andromedae_, "the train of a garment."

Situated in the left shoulder of the chained lady.

ALADFAR (al-ad-f[:a]r), [m] _Lyrae_, "the talons" (of the falling eagle)

AL BALI, [e] _Aquarii_, "the good fortune of the swallower."

AL-BI'-REO, or AL-BIR'[:E]-O [b] _Cygni_, origin doubtful. Means the beak of the hen.

Situated in the beak of the Swan and the base of the Cross. Its color is topaz yellow, and it culminates Aug. 28th.

ALCAID, [[^e]] _Ursae Majoris_. _See_ Benetnasch.

ALCHIBA (al-k[=e]-b[:a]'), [a] _Corvi_, "the tent," the desert title for the constellation.

Situated in the eye of the Crow. Orange in color.

ALCOR (al'-k[^o]r), g _Ursae Majoris_, "the cavalier" or "the rider."

Situated close to Mizar in the handle of the "Dipper." Silver white in color. The Arabs called this star "Saidak," meaning "the proof," because they used it to test a good eye.

AL-CY'-O-NE, [[^e]] _Tauri_.

Greenish yellow in color. The brightest of the Pleiades. Situated in the neck of the Bull.

AL-DEB'-A-RAN, [a] _Tauri_, "the hindmost" or the "follower," _i.e._ of the Pleiades.

Situated in the eye of the Bull. Pale rose in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of thirty miles per second, and culminates Jan. 10.

[a] Tauri is sometimes called Palilicium.

ALDERAMIN (Al-der-am'-in), [a] _Cephei_ "the right arm." It now marks the shoulder of Cepheus.

White in color. It culminates Sept. 27th.

ALDHAFERA, [z] _Leonis_.

Situated in the "Sickle," and the neck of the Lion. It culminates April 8th.

ALFIRK (al-ferk'), or ALPHIRK, "stars of the flock," [b] _Cephei_.

The Arab name for the constellation. Situated in the girdle of Cepheus. White in color. It culminates Oct. 2d.

ALGEIBA (al-j[=e]'-b[:a]), [g] _Leonis_, "the mane."

Situated in the "Sickle," and the shoulder of the Lion. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-four miles per second, and culminates April 9th.

AL'-GE-NIB, [g] _Pegasi_, "the wing," possibly the "flank" or "side."

Situated in the wing of the Horse. White in color, and culminates Nov. 14th.

AL'-GE-NIB, [a] _Persei_, "the side," or Mirfak, "the elbow."

Situated in the right side of Perseus. Lilac in color and approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Jan. 1st. This star is also called Alchemb.

ALGENUBI (al-je-n[:o]'-bi), [e] _Leonis_, "the head of the Lion."

A yellow star situated in the Lion's mouth.

AL'-GOL, [b] _Persei_, "the ghoul" or "demon."

Situated in the head of the Medusa held in the Hero's left hand. White in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of one mile per second, and culminates Dec. 23d.

ALGORAB (al-go-r[:a]b'), or ALGORES, ([d]) _Corvi_, "the raven."

Situated on the right wing of the Crow. Pale yellow in color. It culminates May 14th.

ALHENA (al-hen'-a), [g] _Geminorum_, "a brand on the right side of the camel's neck," or a "ring" or "circlet."

Situated in the left foot of Pollux. White in color, and culminates Feb. 8th. Alhena is sometimes called Almeisam.

AL-I-OTH, [e] _Ursae Majoris_, disputed derivation.

Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 20th. Alioth, the name sometimes given to [a] and [th] Serpentis.

AL-KAID (al-k[=a]d), _See_ ALCAID.

ALKALUROPS (al-ka-l[=u]'-rops), [m] _Bo[:o]tis_, "a herdsman's club, crook, or staff."

Situated near the right shoulder of the Herdsman. Its color is flushed white.

ALKES (al'-kes), [a] _Crateris_, from Al Kas, "the cup," the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the base of the Cup. Orange in color, and culminates April 20th.

ALMAC, [g] _Andromedae_, "a badger," possibly "the boot."

Situated in the left foot of Andromeda. Orange in color, and culminates Dec. 8th.

AL NAAIM, [t] and [n] Pegasi, "the cross bars over a well."

AL NASL (al-nas'l), or ELNASL (el-nas'-l), [g] _Sagittarii_, "the point head of the arrow."

Situated in the arrow's tip. It is yellow in color, and culminates Aug. 4th. This star sometimes called Nushaba and Warida.

AL NATH, or NATH [g] _Aurigae_, and [b] _Tauri_, "the heel of the rein-holder," the "butter" _i.e._ the "horn."

Situated in the right foot of the Charioteer, and the tip of the northern horn of the Bull. Brilliant white in color, and culminates Dec. 11th.

ALNILAM (al-ni-lam'), [e] _Orionis_, "a belt of spheres or pearls."

Situated in Orion's belt. It is bright white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 25th.

ALNITAK (al-ni-tak'), [z] _Orionis_, "the girdle."

Situated in Orion's belt. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of nine miles per second, and culminates Jan. 26th.

AL-NIYAT, [s] _Scorpii_, "the outworks of the heart."

Situated near the Scorpion's heart. It is creamy white in color.

AL'-PHARD or (al-f[:a]rd'), [a] _Hydrae_, "the solitary one in the serpent."

Situated in the heart of Hydra. Orange in color, and culminates Mar. 26th. The Chinese called this star "the Red Bird."

AL-PHEC'-CA, [a] _Coronae Borealis_, "the bright one of the dish." _See_ Gemma. Century Dictionary gives meaning "the cup or platter of a dervish."

AL'-PHE-RATZ, or (al-fe-rats'), [a] _Andromedae_, "the head of the woman in chains." "The navel of the horse."

Situated in the head of Andromeda. White and purplish in color. It culminates Nov. 10th. Alpheratz is some times called Sirrah.

AL-PHIRK, [b] _Cephei_, from al-Firk, the flock.

AL RAKIS, [m] _Draconis_, "the dancer."

Situated in the Dragon's nose. Brilliant white in color. The Century Dictionary gives for this star Arrakis, "The trotting camel."

AL RESCHA, [a] _Piscium_, "the cord or knot."

Situated in the knot joining the ribbons that hold the Fishes together. Pale green in color, and culminates Dec. 7th.

ALSAFI [s] _Draconis_.

ALSCHAIN (al-sh[=a]n'), [b] _Aquilae_, part of the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the head of Antino[:u]s. Pale orange in color, and culminates Sept. 3d.

AL SHAT, [n] _Capricorni_, "the sheep."

AL'-TAIR, or ATAIR, [a] _Aquilae_, "the flying eagle," part of the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the neck of the Eagle. Yellow in color, and culminates Sept. 1st.

ALTERF (al-terf'), [l] _Leonis_, "the glance," _i.e._ the Lion's eye.

Situated in the Lion's mouth, the point of the Sickle. Red in color.

ALUDRA (al-[:o]'-dra), [[^e]] _Canis Majoris_, "the virgins." The four stars near each other in Canis Major.

Situated in the Great Dog's tail. Pale red in color, and culminates Feb. 21st.

ALULA BOREALIS, [n] _Ursae Majoris_.

ALULA AUSTRALIS, [z] _Ursae Majoris_ The "northern and southern wing."

Situated in the Southern hind foot of the Great Bear. The latter star is sometimes called El Acola.

AL'-YA, [th] _Serpentis_.

Situated in the tip of the Serpent's tail. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 18th.

ANCHA, [th] _Aquarii_, "the hip."

Situated in the right hip of Aquarius.

ANT-[=A]R-ES, or AN-TA'-REZ, [a] _Scorpii_, "the rival of Mars."

Situated in the heart of the Scorpion. Fiery red and emerald green in color. It culminates July 11th.

ARC-T[=U]-RUS, [a] _Bo[:o]tis_, "the leg of the lance-bearer," or "the bear-keeper."

Situated in the left knee of the Herdsman. Golden yellow in color. It culminates June 8th.

ARIDED, _See_ DENEB.

ARNEB ([:a]r'-neb), [a] _Leporis_, "the hare," the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the heart of the Hare. Pale yellow in color. It culminates Jan. 24th. [a] _Leporis_ is sometimes called Arsh.

ARKAB ([:a]r'-kab), [b] _Sagittarii_, "the tendon uniting the calf of the leg to the heel."

Situated in the Archer's left fore leg.

ASHFAR, [m] and [e] _Leonis_, "the eyebrows."

Situated close to the Lion's right eye. [m] orange in color, sometimes called Alshemali or Asmidiske.

ASPIDISKI (as-pi-dis'ke) or ASMIDISKE, [i] _Argus_, "in the gunwale."

Situated in the shield which ornaments the vessel's stern. Pale yellow in color. The Century Dictionary gives "a little shield" as the meaning for this star name.

ASCELLA, [z] _Sagittarii_, "the armpit."

Situated near the Archer's left armpit. It culminates Aug. 19th.

ASCELLUS, [th] _Bo[:o]tis_.

It marks the finger tips of the Herdsman's upraised hand.

ASCELLUS BOREALIS, [n] _Cancri_, "northern ass."

Straw color.

ASCELLUS AUSTRALIS, [d] _Cancri_, "the southern ass."

Situated on the back of the Crab. Straw color.

ATIK, [o] _Persei_.

Situated in the wing on the right foot of Perseus.

AZELFAFAGE, [p] _Cygni_, "the horse's foot or track."

AZHA, [[^e]] _Eridani_, "the ostrich's nest."

Pale yellow in color.

BAHAM, [th] _Pegasi_, "the young of domestic animals."

Situated near the left eye of Pegasus.

BAT'EN KAITOS, [z] _Ceti_, "the whale's belly."

A topaz-yellow-colored star, which culminates Dec. 5th.

BEID (b[=a]'-id), [o] _Eridani_, "the egg."

A very white star.

BEL'-LA-TRIX, [g] _Orionis_, "the female warrior." The Amazon star.

Situated in the left shoulder of Orion. Pale yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of six miles per second, and culminates Jan. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives the color as very white.

BE-NET'-NASCH, [[^e]] _Ursae Majoris_, "the chief or governor of the mourners" (alluding to the fancied bier).

Situated in the tip of the Great Bear's tail. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second, and culminates June 2d. This star is also called Alkaid, from al-kaid, "the Governor."

BETELGEUZE (BET-EL-GERZ'), [a] _Orionis_, "the giant's shoulder," or "the armpit of the central one."

Situated in the right shoulder of Orion. Orange in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates Jan. 29th.

Sometimes called Mirzam, the roarer.

BOTEIN (b[=o]-t[=e]-in'), [d] _Arietis_, "the little belly."

CA-PEL'-LA, [a] _Aurigae_, "the she-goat."

Situated in the left shoulder of the Charioteer. It is a white star, and is receding from the earth at the rate of fifteen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 19th. The color of Capella is nearly that of the sun.

CAPH (kaf), [b] _Cassiopeiae_, "the camel's hump," or "the hand."

It is white in color, and culminates Nov. 11th.

CAS'-TOR, [a] _Geminorum_, "the horseman of the twins."

Its color is bright white, and it culminates Feb. 23d. Situated in the head of Castor. The Century Dictionary gives the color as greenish.

CHELEB, [b] _Ophiuchi_, also CEB'ELR[/A]I from kelb, the shepherd's dog.

Situated in the head of the Serpent. It is a yellow star, and culminates Aug. 30th.

CHORT (ch[^o]rt), [th] _Leonis_.

Situated in the hind quarters of the Lion. It culminates April 24th. The Century Dictionary has [th] _Centauri_ for this star.

COR CAROLI (k[^o]r kar'-[=o]-l[=i]), [a] _Can. Ven._, "the heart of Charles II."

It is flushed white in color, and culminates May 20th. A yellowish star according to the Century Dictionary.

CUJAM, [[^o]] _Herculis_. Word used by Horace for the club of Hercules.

CURSA (KER' SA), [b] _Eridani_, "the footstool of the central one," or "the chair or throne."

Situated about at the source of the river near Orion. Topaz yellow in color, and culminates January 13th. This star is also known as Dhalim (Tha'lim) ("the ostrich").

DABIH (d[:a]'-be), [b] _Capricorni_, "the lucky one of the slaughterers," or "the slayer's lucky star."

Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is an orange-colored star, and culminates Sept. 10th.

D[=E]'-NEB, or ARIDED (ar'-i-ded), [a] _Cygni_, "the hen's tail," "the hindmost."

Situated in the tail of the Swan, and at the top of the Cross. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of thirty-six miles per second. It culminates Sept. 16th.

DENEB AL OKAB (den'-eb al-[=o]-k[^a]b), [e] and [z] _Aquilae_, "the eagle's tail."

DENEB ALGEDI (den'-eb al'-j[=e]-d[=e]), [d] _Capricorni_, "the tail of the goat."

Situated in the tail of the Sea-Goat.

DENEB AL SHEMALI (den'-eb-al-she-m[:a]-le), [i] _Ceti_

A bright yellow star situated at the tip of the northern fluke of the monster's tail.

DENEB KAITOS (den'-eb k[=i]'-tos), [b] _Ceti_, "the tail of the whale."

Situated in the tail of the Whale. It is a yellow star, and culminates Nov. 21st. This star sometimes called Diphda.

DE-NEB'-O-LA, [b] _Leonis_, "the lion's tail."

It is a blue star which is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates May 3d. This star also called Dafirah, and Serpha.

DSCHUBBA, [d] _Scorpii_, "the front of the forehead."

Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It culminates July 4th.

DSIBAN, [ps] _Draconis_.

Pearly white in color.

DUB'-HE (d[:o]b'-he), [a] _Ursae Majoris_, "a bear."

The northern pointer star. It is a yellow star, and is approaching the earth at the rate of twelve miles per second. It culminates April 21st. The Arabs called the four stars in the Dipper the "bier."

EL NATH [b] _Tauri_, the one who butts. This star is receding at the rate of five miles a second.

ELTANIN, or ETANIN (et'-[=a]-nin), [g] _Draconis_, "the dragon," "the dragon's head."

It is orange in color and culminates Aug. 4th. Rasaben is another name for this star.

E'-NIF, or en'-if, [e] _Pegasi_, "the nose."

Situated in the nose of Pegasus. It is a yellow star, which is receding from the earth at the rate of five miles per second, and culminates Oct. 4th. This star was also called fum-al-far-as, "the mouth of the horse."

ER RAI (er-r[=a]'-[=e]), [g] _Cephei_, "the shepherd."

Situated in the left knee of Cepheus. It is yellow in color and culminates Nov. 10th.

FOMALHAUT (F[=o]'-mal-[=o]), (disputed pronunciation), [a] _Piscis Austri_, "the fish's mouth."

Situated in the head of the Southern Fish. It is reddish in color, and culminates Oct. 25th. This star was also known as the first frog, the second frog being [b] Ceti.

FURUD, or PHURUD (fu-r[=o]d), [z] _Canis Majoris_, "the bright single one."

Situated in the left hind paw of the Greater Dog. It is light orange in color.

GEM'-MA, [a] _Coronae Borealis_, "a bud."

The brightest star in the Northern Crown. It is brilliant white in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of twenty miles per second. It culminates June 28th. This star is also known as Alphecca and Alfeta.

GIANSAR [l] _Draconis_, "the twins," "the poison place."

Situated in the tip of the Dragon's tail. An orange-colored star. It culminates April 28th.

GIEDI, [a] _Capricorni_, also called Algied'-i, the goat.

Situated in the head of the Sea-Goat. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 9th.

GIENAH, [g] _Corvi_, "the right wing of the raven."

Situated in the Crow's wing. It culminates May 10th.

GIENAH, [e] _Cygni_, "the wing."

Situated in the Swan's wing. It is a yellow star, and culminates Sept. 17th.

GOMEISA (g[=o]-m[=i]'-z[:a]), GOMELZA, [b] _Canis Minoris_, "Watery-eyed, weeping." A white star.

Situated in the neck of the Lesser Dog.

GRAFFIAS, [b] _Scorpii_, derivation unknown; the name may mean "the crab." This star was also called Ak'rab, the Scorpion.

Situated in the head of the Scorpion. It is a pale white star, and culminates July 5th.

GRUMIUM (gr[:o]'-mi-um), [x] _Draconis_, "the dragon's under jaw."

A yellow star.

HAM'-AL or (ha-m[:a]l'), [a] _Arietis_, "the head of the sheep."

Situated in the forehead of the Ram. It is yellow in color, and is approaching the earth at the rate of nine miles per second. It culminates Dec. 11th.

HOMAM (ho-mam'), [z] _Pegasi_, "the lucky star of the hero, or the whisperer."

Situated in the neck of Pegasus. Light yellow in color. It culminates Oct. 22d. The Century Dictionary gives this star name to [[^e]] _Pegasi_.

HYADUM I, [g] _Tauri_.

Situated in the Hyades, the nose of the Bull. A yellow star.

IZAR ([=e]-z[:a]r), Mirach, or Mizar, [e] _Bo[:o]tis_, "the girdle."

Pale orange in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of ten miles per second, and culminates June 16th. A beautiful colored double star.

JABBAH (Jab'-b[:a]), [n] _Scorpii_, "crown of the forehead."

A triple star.

KAUS (k[^a]s), AUSTRALIS, [e] _Sagittarii_, "the southern part of the bow."

An orange-colored star. It culminates Aug. 8th.

KAUS (k[^a]s), BOREALIS, [l] _Sagittarii_, "the northern part of the bow."

Orange color.

KITALPHA, [a] _Equulei_, the Arab name for the asterism. In the head of the Little Horse. It culminates Sept. 24th.

KO'-CHAB (k[=o]-k[:a]b'), [b] _Ursae Minoris_, "the star of the North."

Situated in the right shoulder of the Little Bear. One of the two Guardians of the Pole. It is reddish in color, and is receding from the earth at the rate of eight miles per second. It culminates June 19th.

KORNEPHOROS, [b] _Herculis_, the Arab name for the constellation.

Situated in the right arm-pit of Hercules. Pale yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of twenty-two miles per second. It culminates July 12th.

LESUTH, [n] _Scorpii_, "the sting."

Situated in the tip of the Scorpion's tail. It culminates July 27th.

MARFAK (m[:a]r'fak), [th] _Cassiopeiae_, "the elbow."

Situated in the left elbow of Cassiopeia. This star name is also given to [m] Cassiopeiae.

MARFIC (m[:a]r'-fik), [l] _Ophiuchi_, "the elbow."

Situated in the left elbow of the Serpent Bearer. Yellowish white in color.

MARFIK (m[:a]r' fik), or MARSIC, [k] _Herculis_, "the elbow."

Situated in the right elbow of Hercules. Light yellow in color.

MAR'-KAB (m[:a]r'kab), [a] _Pegasi_, Arab word for "saddle". Century Dictionary gives "a wagon" or "chariot."

Situated in the base of the Horse's neck. It is a white star which is receding from the earth at the rate of three quarters of a mile a second. It culminates Nov. 3d.

MARKEB, [k] _Argus_.

Situated in the stern of the Ship. It culminates Mar. 25th.

MARSYM, [l] _Herculis_, "the wrist."

Situated in the left wrist of Hercules. Deep yellow in color.

MATAR or SAD (S[:a]d), "a lucky star," or more fully, Sad-Mator, [[^e]] _Pegasi_, "the fortunate rain."

Situated in the left fore leg of Pegasus.

MEBUSTA, MEBSUTA (Meb-s[:o]'-ta), or MEBOULA, [e] _Geminorum_, "the outstretched."

A brilliant white star situated in the right knee of Castor.

MEDIA, or KAUS MEDIA, [d] _Sagittarii_, "middle (of the) bow."

Orange yellow in color. It culminates Aug. 8th.

M[=E]-GRES, or (M[=e]'-grez), [d] _Ursae Majoris_, "the root of the bear's tail."

It is a pale yellow star, and culminates May 10th. This star is the faintest of the seven which form the Dipper.

MEISSA, [l] _Orionis_.

Situated in the face of the Giant Hunter. Pale white in color.

MEKBUDA (mek-b[=u]'-d[=a]), [z] _Geminorum_, "the contracted (arm)."

Situated in the left knee of Pollux. Pale topaz in color.

MENKALINAN (men-ka-l[=e]-nan' or Men-kal'-i-nan), [b] _Aurigae_, "the shoulder of the rein-holder or driver."

Situated in the right arm of the Charioteer. A lucid yellow star which is receding from the earth at the rate of seventeen miles per second. It culminates Jan. 29th. This star was one of the first discovered and most remarkable "spectroscopic binaries."

MENKAR (men'k[:a]r), [a] _Ceti_, "the nose, or snout."

Situated in the nose of Cetus. Bright orange in color. It culminates Dec. 21st. Sometimes written Menkab.

MENKIB, [x] _Persei_, "the shoulder."

Situated in the calf of the right leg of Perseus.

MERAK (m[=e]'rak), [b] _Ursae Majoris_, "the loin of the bear."

A greenish white star which is approaching the earth at the rate of eighteen miles per second. It culminates Apr. 20th. The southern of the two "pointers."

MESARTIM (m[=e]-s[:a]r'tim), [g] _Arietis_, the Hebrew word for "minister."

Situated in the Ram's left horn. Bright white in color.

MINTAKA (min'ta-k[:a]), [d] _Orionis_, "the belt (of the giant)."

One of the three stars in Orion's belt. A brilliant white star with very little motion. It culminates Jan. 24th.

M[=I]'-RA (m[=i]'ra or m[=e]'ra), [o] _Ceti_.

Situated in the neck of Cetus. A famous variable, flushed yellow in color. It culminates Dec. 15th.

M[=I]'RACH, or MIRAK (m[=i]'rak or m[=e]'rak), [b] _Andromedae_, "the girdle," or "the loins."

A yellow star culminating Nov. 28th.

M[=I]ZAR (m[=i]z[:a]r or m[=e]'z[:a]r), [z] _Ursae Majoris_, "a girdle or apron."

Situated in the tail of the Great Bear. Brilliant white in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of nineteen miles per second. It culminates May 28th.

MULIPHEN, [g] _Canis Majoris_.

Situated in the neck of the Greater Dog. It culminates Feb. 26th.

MUPHRID (m[=u]'-frid), [[^e]] _Bo[:o]tis_, "the solitary star of the lancer."

Situated in the calf of the left leg of the Herdsman. Pale yellow in color. It culminates June 4th.

MURZIM or MIRZAM (mer-z[:a]m'), [b] _Canis Majoris_, "the announcer" or "the roarer."

Situated in the Greater Dog's left fore paw. A white star culminating Feb. 5th.

MUSCIDA, [o] _Ursae Majoris_, "the muzzle."