New Planet Four Billion Miles From Earth

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7169, 17 March 1930, Page 7

New Planet Four Billion Miles From Earth

Tel egraph.—Copyright. Per Press Association. Received Sunday 11.0 p.m. NEW YORK, March 16. Great scientific and popular interest has been aroused by the planet discovery.

The two names most prominentlysuggested aro “Percival” in honour of Professor Percival Lowell and “Atlas.” It is pointed out that Professor Lowell, was correct within six degrees of the forccoming position of tho body. It is estimated that the planet is four billion miles from tho earth, and life, if it exists thereon, must be different to terrestrial life since it is believed nitrogen and oxygen are in solid form there.

A cable on Saturday stated that British astronomers aro intensely interested in the new planet beyond Neptune, reported from the Lowell Observatory. It is stated to bo close to Delta Geminorum along the ecliptic between Jupiter and Neptune. It is understood the discoverer was Professor Percival Lowell. Interest lies in the fact that the discovery indefinitely extends tho solar system, and adds a major member to the sun’s family. The full facts aro eagerly awaited, also the determination whether the planet obeys Bodc’s Law.