Halley's Comet and Meteorology

Abstract

Proposed Meteorological Observations during Progress through the Tail of Halley's Comet. THE International Commission for Scientific Aeronautics had arranged a series of ascents of kites and ballons-sondes for May 11–13, but seeing that it is possible that the earth may pass through the tail of Halley's comet on May 19, the members of the commission have agreed to postpone the ascents to May 18–20. A circular from Prof. Hergesell, the president of the commission, gives particulars of the proposed ascents, the times mentioned being as follows:—May 18, 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.; May 19, 2.30 a.m. and 7 a.m.; and May 20, 7 a.m. Observations should be made at the earth's surface, and ballons-sondes should be sent up about half an hour before these times, so that the balloon for the principal ascent should reach its greatest height about the time when the earth passes through the tail of the comet; one ascent should also precede, and one should follow, the principal ascent by precisely similar intervals of time.