Abstract
THREE NEW COMETS.—The discovery of a great comet is telegraphed from several southern Observatories. So far as is yet known it was discovered by Mr. Thome at Cordoba on January 18. It was then situated in the constellation Grus; apparently not far from γ Gruis. On the following evening the tail only was seen at Melbourne, projecting some 30° above the southwestern horizon. On January 20 it was remarked at Adelaide; here again the tail only was seen. In its physical appearance the comet strongly recalls the great southern comet of 1880, being long, narrow, and straight. It is not brilliant, though readily visible to the naked eye in the twilight. The tail was traced as far as α Toucani. It is expected that the comet will become very brilliant. The nucleus was observed at Adelaide and Melbourne on January 23. The Melbourne observation is as follows:—January 23d. 8h. om., R.A. 21h. 20m. 28s.; daily motion + 7m. 44s., Decl. 44° 17′ S., daily motion + 5l′.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Our Astronomical Column . Nature 35, 307–308 (1887). https://doi.org/10.1038/035307a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/035307a0