Page:Field Book of Stars.djvu/172

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150
Names of the Stars

Situated in the upper part of the Archer's left arm. It culminates Aug 17th.

Phad, Phec'-da, or Pnaed (fā'-ed), (γ) Ursae Majoris, "the thigh" (of the bear).
Topaz yellow in color. It is approaching the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second. It culminates May 4th,

Phaet or Phact, (α) Columbæ.
Situated in the heart of the Dove. It culminates Jan. 26th.

Pherkad (fer'-kad), (γ) Ursae Minoris, "the calf."
Situated in the right fore leg of the Little Bear.

Po-lá-ris, (α) Ursæ Minoris, "the pole star."
Situated in the tip of the Little Bear's tail. Topaz yellow in color. It is receding from the earth at the rate of sixteen miles per second.

Pol'-lux, (β) Geminorum, Ovid's "Pugil," the pugilist of the two brothers.
Situated in the head of Pollux. An orange-colored star which is receding from the earth at the rate of one mile per second. It culminates Feb. 26th. The Century Dictionary gives the color of Pollux as very yellow.

Porrima
(por'-i-mā), (γ) Virginis, Latin name for "a goddess of prophecy." Situated in the Virgin's left arm. It culminates May 17th.

Pro'-cy-on, (α) Canis Minoris, "before the dog."
A yellowish-white star. It is approaching the earth at the rate of six miles per second. It culminates Feb. 24th
It is situated in the right side of the Lesser Dog.