THE NEW COMET

Te Aroha News, Volume V, Issue 243, 25 February 1888, Page 4

THE NEW COMET

Mb J. T. Stevenson, F.K. A. S., writes with reference to the new comet discovered by Mr J. P. Davisof Epsom :—"lt: — "It is in the south-east, in a somewhat barren region of the heaven?. Owing to the hazy state oi the sky .and the comefs low altitude, a small telescope could only be employed to observe with, and in it the tail was well defined, gradually widening us it receded from the head. Owing toits great southern declination, this comet ■will not be visible in Euiopc at tbo present time. There is no comet of any magnitude due at present, so the present visitant will probably prove a strantfer. It is probably approaching- the sun, and in this east; may be expected to become brighter in the coarse of a night or two. The toil is ■several degrees in extent." Professor Lamberts Theory. The comet which is reported to be ■visible in tiie early morning is no doubt that of Olber's, which was rediscovered by W. R. Brooks, Phelps. Ontario County, Hew York, on August 24th last year. Computing from the latest elements of this orbit, I tind its present position answering well to that given by recent observers, thus leaviug but very little doubt that it is not a new comet, but the one above mentioned. It passed its perihelion on October the Bth, ab a distance of 109,000,000 of miles, and has since that date been moving outwardly and in a southerly direction. As it is developing a tail, no doubt our European Astronomers will watch this foataro with inter ee t before the direction of ite motion •carries it out of their reach. S. J. Lambert. Auckland St*r.