HALLEY'S COMET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 394, 20 May 1910, Page 5

HALLEY'S COMET.

DID IT CROSS THE SUN? ASTRONOMER'S FUTILE OBSERVATIONS. By Cable—Press Association —Copyright. Received May 19, 9.10 p.m. Sydney, May 19. The Sydney Observatory reports that a llys-indi refractor was used in an endeavor to trace the comet as it crossed the sun's disc, between 12.22 and 1.22 this afternoon. Three astronomers spent an hour watching the sun, but no trace of the comet could be found. Several batches of sun spots were observed. Some of them had to be watched very closely before a definite announcement as to the possibility oc their being the nucleus of the comet could be] made. An independent observer outside the observatory reports that a careful search resulted similarly. | GERMAN OBSERVATIONS. ! Received May 20, 12.15 a.m. Berlin, May 19. German newspapers are publishing columns of observatory reports regarung the comet. The latest Berlin calculation is that the earth enters the tail at 4.22 on t'he morning of the 19th and passes at 5.22 a.m. V German scientists do not anticipate that the electric storms will be exten-' sive. Arrangements have been made for chemical observations while the earth is enveolped in the tail of the comet. The Royal Prussian Meteorological observatory at Lindenberg has arranged for some balloon ascents, all manned by competent observers, who will be provided with chemical and electrical meteorological apparatus. AMERICAN NEGROES TERRIFIED. A HARVEST FOR INSURANCE AGENTS. Received May 20, 12.15 a.m. New York, May 19. The comet monopolises the American newspapers. Balls, receptions and and breakfast parties have been arranged for on roofs of building in New 1 York. The negroes in the Southern, States are suffering from comet panic, suspending work and devoting their time to prayer meetings. Many are half crazed, and are hiding in cellars. Insurance agents are reaping a rich harvest. Professor Bannard, 'of Yerkes' Observatory, reports that the tail of t'he comet is brighter than any portion of the Milky Way, and extends 107 degrees. RUSSIANS PRAYERFUL. Received Mav 20, 12.15 a.m. St. Petersburg, May 19. Many St. Petersburgers have decided to spend the night in t'he churches, where continuous prayers have been ordered.