A COMING COMET

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 57, 4 September 1926, Page 20

A COMING COMET

SED HEEALDS IN THE SKY.

The. Pons-Winnecke comet is now hustling earthwards, though it is not due to make its nearest approach to the earth until June of next year, states the London "Daily Chronicle." Its present position, however, suggests the possibility of abnormal atmospheric phenomena, similar to those witnessed at the end of June, 1908. At the end of June eighteen years ago, for some nights in succession, marvellous colour effects wero witnessed in the sky after sunset. As late as midnight the northern heavens were a blaze of light, and from the high ground in Sent the buildings on the northern heights of London were seen projected on a bright sky.as clearly as in full daylight. At the time no satisfactory explanation of these phenomena was forthcoming, but; a Russian* astronomer has come to the conclusion that the comet was the cause, and that we may expect a repetition. There will probably be the addition of meteoric displays, fireballs, luminous night clouds, and severe thunderstorms. Next June the comot itself will make a very close approach to the earth, Our planet will then probably have to plough its way through huge masses of the. comet's outer material. Quito exceptional atmospheric displays should then be. witnessed.