THE COMET.

Evening Post, Volume LXXIX, Issue 119, 23 May 1910, Page 7

THE COMET.

AMERICAN OBSERVATIONS. COMPOSITION OF THE TAIL ELECTRIC RAYS? By Telegraph.—-Press Association.-Copyr'ghr. (Received May 23, 9.10 a.m.) LONDON, 22nd May. Reuter's New York correspondent states that Professor G. E. Hale, at the Mount Wilson (California) Observatory saw Halley's comet despite the moonlight. The tail was distinct, and spread fanwise for several degrees. Observations showed that the comet was disappearing in the^-distance. OTTAWA, 22nd May. Professor Birldand, who made observations at Finmark, Canada, suggests that the comet's tail is principally composed of eledtric rays. The comet was seen^for a few brief intervals on Saturday evening through rifts in the clouds ; but the sky being comparatively clear last night an excellent view was -obtained soon after sunset, though clouds in the western heavens completely obscured its setting. It is a conspicuous object at present, but has greatly diminished in magnitude since it passed the sun. As it is now swiftly receding almost in a direct line, it will grow rapidly less until it disappears. It will remain in the heavens to-night till five minutes to 8, but will, of course, be by that time hidden by the hills. It will set later nightly till the end of the month, by which time it will appear so small as to be of interest to astronomers only.