COMET DISCOVERED

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 264, 4 August 1936, Page 10

COMET DISCOVERED

May be Visible to Naked Eye To-morrow Night

LACK OF EQUIPMENT IN

NEW ZEALAND

(By I. L. Thomsex, of the Dominion

Observatory.)

A new comet is expected to be visible in the evening sky during the next few months. It was discovered on May 15, when it was an object visible only to northern hemisphere observers, but since that date it has been moving south, and may now be observed by astronomers in the southern hemisphere. For the most part only those possessing telescopes and knowing how to use them will be able to see the comet, except perhaps to-morrow night, when it is expected that it will be 15J million miles away, and will have a magnitude of 3.s—visible to the naked eye, if the moon is not too bright, as a small hazy blotch against the sky. It will be in the constellation of Aquarius, south-east of the star Altair.

The discoverer of the comet was Mr. L. C. Peltier, an amateur astronomer, living in Delphos, Ohio, United States of America. He has the reputation of being a most industrious observer of variable stars, and has discovered four previous comets. In June he also discovered a new star. Although some may not agree with Dr. Shapely’s remark that “Mr. Peltier is the greatest amateur astronomer in the world,” it is certain that the astronomical world will class him among the great amateurs. By day, Mr. Peltier works as an assistant in a garage; by night he tours the heavens.

The efforts of this young man serve as an object lesson to the people of the southern hemisphere. Admittedly his discoveries are of the spectacular nature, likely to arouse the interest of the lay world as well as the scientific world. In New Zealand at the present time, discoveries are being made, but for some reason they do not cause the same excitement as the discovery of a comet. However, for the purposes of our discussion let us consider Peltier’s efforts in the northern hemisphere. If on a map of the world the positions of all the observatories were marked a tremendous preponderance in the northern hemisphere would be apparent. Europe is liberally dotted with observatories, and there are two other great clusters in the east and west of America. But in the southern hemisphere there are only a few scattered observatories. Since the year 1610, the northern heavens have been searched with telescopes of all sizes and power/; they have been photographed and charted to such an extent that one begins to wonder if there is anything left to find that is new. Yet front time to time news conies of a nebula, a double star, or a'variable star that has been discovered. Moreover, when considering the multitude of observatories in the northern hemisphere whose telescopes sweep the skies night after night, one wonders what is left for the amateur. Yet the growth and activity of amateur astronomy In the northern hemisphere is greater to-day than ever, and is fostered by professional astronomers who know its worth. With all these telescopes and experts as competitors, Peltier beat them all to the first sight of this new comet. He also beat most of them to the first glimpse of a new star, for up. to the present, advice has been received of only four other independent discoveries. So well watched are the northern hemisphere skies, however, that there is little doubt that had Peltier missed both the comet and the new star someone else would hav.e found them. New Zealand’s Disabilities.

What of the southern hemisphere, and especially New Zealand? Observatories are all too few for the little explored regions in the sojitb. New Zealand in particular is handicapped by not having a national observatory, which devotes its work to pure astronomy. It is perhaps the only civilised country in the world that has not such an institution. For this reason New Zealand cannot give the same inspiration to its enthusiasts that, for example, the United States ean give to Peltier. As an isolated example, what service can New Zealand render astronomy with respect to this new comet? No doubt amateurs will spend many hours during cold nights making the best observations they can, but they can never compete with the excellent work that has already been done during its visibility in the northern hemisphere. It may be contended that the observatories in South Africa or South America can look after this work, but a glance at-the world map will show that New Zealand has a difference of 10 hours in longitude from South Africa and 8 hours from South America. Moreover, we are between these two countries. From August 2to August 16 this comet will move at a rapid rate across the heavens, and all the observations that are humanly possible should be made. New Zealand could give valuable service on account of her position, and huge instruments would not be required. As it is, we shall have to struggle along as best we can, with an apology to our colleagues. There is no doubt that the New Zealand amateur astronomer is made of stern material, and is worthy, of his calling.

Some positions of the comet are as follow: — August 4, R.A. 21h. 45m. 10s. Dec. 4 deg. Bmin. S. August 6. R.A. 21h. 29m. 14s. Dec. 20deg. 16min. S. August S, R.A. 21 h. 12m. 30s. Dec. 34deg. Smin. S.