XIII. Observations tending to investigate the nature of the sun, in order to find the causes or symptoms of its variable emission of light and heat; with remarks on the use that may possibly be drawn from solar observations

Abstract

On a former occasion I have shewn, that we have great reason to look upon the sun as a most magnificent habitable globe; and, from the observations which will be related in this Paper, it will now be seen, that all the arguments we have used before are not only confirmed, but that we are encouraged to go a considerable step farther, in the investigation of the physical and planetary construction of the sun. The influence of this eminent body, on the globe we inhabit, is so great, and so widely diffused, that it becomes almost a duty for us to study the operations which are carried on upon the solar surface. Since light and heat are so essential to our well-being, it must certainly be right for us to look into the source from whence they are derived, in order to see whether some material advantage may not be drawn from a thorough acquaintance with the causes from which they originate. A similar motive engaged the Egyptians formerly to study and watch the motions of the Nile; and to construct instruments for measuring its rise with accuracy. They knew very well, that it was not in their power to add a single inch to the flowing waters of that wonderful river; and so, in the case of the sun’s influence, we are likewise fully aware, that we shall never be able to occasion the least alteration in the operations which are carried on in the solar atmosphere. But, if the Egyptians could avail themselves of the indications of a good Nilometer, what should hinder us from drawing as profitable consequences from solar observations? We are not only in possession of photometers and thermometers, by which we can measure from time to time the light and heat actually received from the sun, but have more especially telescopes, that may lead us to a discovery of the causes which dispose the sun to emit more or less copiously the rays which occasion either of them. And, if we should even fail in this respect, we may at least succeed in becoming acquainted with certain symptoms or indications, from which some judgment might be formed of the temperature of the seasons we are likely to have.