THE NEW COMET

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1932, Page 6

THE NEW COMET

MAGNITUDE DECREASING. (Per Press Association — Copyriylit.) WELLINGTON, June 27. Considerable interest has boon aroused in astronomical circles by tho new cornet discovered last week by Mr Geddes, the well-knowii observer at Otekura, Otago. At the time of discovery its magnitude was given as 10, blit since then it has decreased numeriindicating that the comet is becoming brighter, although it is still invisible to the unaided eye. It is at the present time outside the earth’s orbit and a, considerable distance from the sun. It is possible, therefore, G u u as it approaches the sun in the near future it may. brighten into an object that can plainly be seen in the, skv. The name of Geddes bad already been attached I(6'the comet, as it appears that Mr Geddes was the first observer to notice it. •

-- During the’Ta;st few days the comet lias been observed by Mr G. V. Hudson, of Tvaroi'i. His positions for tho comet were announced this afternoon by the Dominion Astronomer, Dr. Adams as follows : jiine 24th, at Bhr Greenwich mean time —right ascension lOlir 24min south, declination 82deg 52min of arc, magnitude 9.

June 20th at 6hr 15min Greenwich mean time- —right ascension 10hr 49min south, declination Sldeg 24min of aic, magnitude 8. The times are given in Greenwich mean time, and correspond to 7.30 p.m, and 5.45 p.m. New Zealand standard time. •