A NEW COMET.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 234, 29 September 1914, Page 3

A NEW COMET.

Appears in Southern Sky.

Discovered by Student in

Pukekohe.

A new comet was discovered in the Eouthern sky on Sunday night, 21at inst., by a student of the Auckland University College, Mr L. J. Ucmrie. it consisted of a small nebulous body forming an equilateral triangle with the two Magellan clouds, and was situated twenty or thirty degrees from the south celestial pole. The object, which is easily visible to the nakeJ eye, had r.oticeably changed its position, when again observed a few nights later, leading to the assumption that it is a comet. No reference to any such visitor is to be four.d in star catalogues or other astronomical works, so presumably the object, if a comet, is rot known ta astronomers. A number of comets, such as Halley's, which waa Eeen four years ago, have a regular period of return, but some of the largest and brightest comets known in history have approached the sun and departed, apparently for ever. Doubtless those who believe in portents and omens will find a very distinct significance in such an appearance the present international crisis. When Halley's comet appeared in 1910 there were not a few who found a connection between the event and the death of King Edward VII., acd quoted the apt Shakespearean lines: "When beggars die there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.'' It is to be noted that the approaching full moon will prevent observers from getting the beat views of it, so that a pair of opera glasses will be an aid to picking it up. Although it is at present invisible in Europe and North America, it will probably be visible in the latitude of Greenwich about the end of next week.

In a letter to the Editor of the "limes," dated September 27th, Mr L. J. Comrie writes interestingly. He says:—

"The news atout the comet may be of interrst in view of the fact that it was first discovered while I was in Pukekohe. Although studying in Auckland I am in the habit of coming home for week ends. At 815 on Sunday night (20th inst.) I observed near th* bright star Achernar a small nebulous patch which 1 was turc 1 had never observed there before. My puspicions were aroused and I happened to rrention the matter to Mr Russell the next day.' He got a passing glimpse of it the next evening from Avondale through a break in the clouds. We each noted the position carefully and on comparing them we saw at once that it was a comet. About an hour after we had communicated with the "Star" the cablegram came through from Melbourne. (This cable announced that the Government Astronomer in Melbourne had located the comet). I have been able to observe it for the last four nights, and it appears to ine to be brightening somewhat, though not much. It so happens this month that the moon will be full when moderately near the comet, so that it may be difficult to get a good view of it in the light of our satellite. Mr Stevenson, F.R.A.N., is at present in Pukekoht- recovering from an illness, and has observed it for the last three nights. It may be looked for on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday eveuirga 'when it will be in the zenith at 11 p.m. approximately) near the br.ght star Fomalhaut (in the constellation Fiscis Australis) which is easily found somewhat below the line joining Jupiter and Achemra, and about half-way between them. This is in the south-western portion of the sky. Although easily seen it is perhaps r.ot yet bright enough to attract universal attention, but from its motion it is likely that it may brighten up somewhat."