The Astronomically Minded

The Astronomically Minded
 -- Joan Flux, S&T July 1964

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
Now I know just what you are,
I can give you cast-Iron facts
About your weight and parallax.

To me, your rate of radiation
Is simple as the earth's nutation
Even if you're purest gas,

I can calculate you mass

Think you're a mystery? What a hope
Not with my new spectroscope