HALLEY'S COMET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14347, 18 April 1910, Page 5

HALLEY'S COMET.

By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright (Received April 17, 5.30 p.m.) Capetown, April 16. Halley's comet has been seen -with the naked eye at Capetown. OBSERVATIONS IN AUCKLAND. Halley's comet was again seen by Mr. J. T. Stevenson, F.R. A. just before five o'clock yesterday morning. The tail," he 6tated last evening, . " seemed longer than when previously seen.. The head was quite plain to the naked eye,- but the tail required the aid of a field-glass to discern it clearly. I have little doubt from its present appearance that it will become more distinct during the coming week, but owing to the morning twilight it will require to be viewed not much later than five a.m. I expect it will become a striking object in the western sky, about May 21." Mr. S. E. Hughes, of Shelly Beach Road, also had a very fine view of the comet yesterday morning at five o'clock. "It is," he says,' "situate about half-way between Venus and the horizon, a little to the north of the east. Its head is bright and of a reddish colour, and the tail is very luminous. Speaking to a Herald representative on the subject last night, Professor H. W. Segar, of the Auckland University College, stated that the comet would be visible well down on the eastern horizon and a little to the north at about five o'clock each morning this week. "During the early part of the week," he said, "people should use telescopes or field-glasses to assist their vision, but after that, and up till Sunday, the comet will be easily seen with the naked eye. Next week, however, the comet will not be as clearly seen owing to the rising of the moon, and it will then, owing to the sun's rays, rapidly disappear from view until well on in May, when it will appear as a great object in the western evening sky." •