Even when an occultation
is visible from both places, the times at which the star disappears
from view will, generally speaking, be different. Much calculation
is therefore necessary to decide the circumstances under which the
occultations of stars may be visible from any particular station.
Having a taste for such computations, Flamsteed calculated the
occultations which were to happen in the year 1670, it being the case
that several remarkable stars would be passed over by the moon during
this year. Of course at the present time, we find such information
duly set forth in the NAUTICAL ALMANAC, but a couple of centuries ago
there was no such source of astronomical knowledge as is now to be
found in that invaluable publication, which astronomers and
navigators know so well. Flamsteed accordingly sent the results of
his work to the President of the Royal Society. The paper which
contained them was received very favourably, and at once brought
Flamsteed into notice among the most eminent members of that
illustrious body, one of whom, Mr. Collins, became through life his
faithful friend and constant correspondent. Flamsteed's father was
naturally gratified with the remarkable notice which his son was
receiving from the great and learned; accordingly he desired him to
go to London, that he might make the personal acquaintance of those
scientific friends whom he had only known by correspondence
previously.
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