A “BABY” PLANET.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIV, Issue 4643, 28 December 1923, Page 4

A “BABY” PLANET.

<• — ’ APPROACHING. THE EARTH. EVENTFUL ASTRONOMICAL YEARThe year 1924 is destined to be an important one as far as astronomy in New Zealand is concerned (says the New Zealand Times). A chart was exhibited at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Astronomical Society by Professor D. M. Y. Somerville showing particulars of the transit of Mercury, which Is to take place next May. The professor explained that the beginning of the .transit would take place soon after sunrise, but the sun will not have set before the transit finishes. Mercury should, therefore, be seen in motion across the sun’s disk dining the day of May 8. The coming year will also witness the approach of the minor planet Et os, which is of much interest to scientists, as it is somewhat eccentric in its course, coming close to the earth and then going far away. Eros is merely a “baby” planet, as it is only believed to be 12 miles across. It is of much importance to astrimomers in connection with determining our distance from the Sun. It was last near the earth about 1909, when it caused much interest to observers Mars, it is said, will also come clo.se to the earth next winter, so 1924 will indeed he an eventful year for astronomers in New Zealand.