A NEW COMET

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 67, 10 June 1927, Page 9

A NEW COMET

SIGHTED FROM ONERAHI POSSIBLY GALE’S DISCOVERY THAT a new comet sighted from Onerahi, near Whangarei, at 4.30 this morning, is possibly the same one as discovered by the Sydney astronomer, Mr. W. F. Gale, is the opinion given by Professor P. W. Burbidge, of the Auckland University College. full particulars of the Onerahi observation were not available, Professor Burbidge states that the data given would fit in with the ascension supplied by Mr. Gale. Professor Burbidge said that correctly to identify these bodies was not an easy matter, especially in the case of a comet such as Gale reports, which apparently having no tail, might be taken for a nebula. In this instance it was quite possible that the comet sighted at Onerahi by Mr. J. H. Horne is the same one as was discovered from Sydney. For the benefit of observers. Professor Burbidge states that the new comet is in the constellation of Pispis and is near the prominent angle of stars in the constellation of Gins (The Crane). If the long side of this angle is extended further about two-thirds of its length the comet will be located near the end of the line. OBSERVATORY SITE WANTED Owing to the fact that there is no permanent observatory at the Auckland University it was not possible to verify the statement cabled from Sydney. It is understood that the necessary equipment is available, but there is no site on which to erect an observatory. A message from Sydney yesterday stated that a new comet had been discovered. Its position was given as right ascension, 21 hours 30 minutes; declination, south 31 degrees 38 minutes. It was near the star Theta.