Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 095.djvu/312

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280
Dr. Herschel's Observations

the eye is capable. An exact copy of it is given in Plate IX. The dimensions of it in proportional parts are,

The diameter of the greatest curvature 36
The equatorial diameter35
The polar diameter32
Latitude of the longest diameter43° 20'.


The foregoing observations of the figure of the body of Saturn will lead to some intricate researches, by which the quantity of matter in the ring, and its solidity, may be in some measure ascertained. They also afford a new instance of the effect of gravitation on the figure of planets; for in the case of Saturn, we shall have to consider the opposite influence of two centripetal and two centrifugal forces: the rotation of both the ring and planet having been ascertained in some of my former Papers.