COMET COLLISION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16365, 2 March 1921, Page 2

COMET COLLISION.

HOLD TIGHT ON JUNE 26. The greatest display of fireworks that ever happened--accompanied by a bump about which it is more comfortable not to speculate too freely—i* due to take place on .June 26 next if is allowed to have its wilful way. Pons- AY inni cke is a comet with n flighty nature and irresponsible habits. •fust now it. is travelling at several hundreds of miles per minute in excess of the speed limit, and, what is more, is heading straight for this staid old terrestrial globe of ours. Unless Pons-Win nieke can be provided with a rival attraction or otir own little earth b© induced t© swerve at the psychological moment the two have arranged to come into collision on Juno 26. All these things, a ltd more also, the ‘* Sunday Express ” has on the authority of Dr Cronimolm, the most famous astronomical mathematician in • the world. JUPITER PUSHES IT NEARER. The Pons-Winnicke comet- was discovered one hundred.’ years ago. ‘‘ It is a short-period comet." said Dr Crommelixt recently. “ and return* every 55 years. When it was first Seen it did not pass within a hundred miles of the earth’s orbit, but the trouble is that it lias been coming nearer owing to tho disturbing notion of Jupiter. “Its orbit next June will almost intersect that of the earth, but the? chances of n collision are not great. ‘‘lf the. actual date of intersection is June 26. there will he a collision. Th© world will not he wiped out. hut there will be the biggest shower of meteors ever seen- and possibly some damage ; and casualties..** .It \vas reassuring to learn that after 1 June the comet will recede. . Tr seems that in anv case ga* and. fireworks parties may be booked up for ; June 26 next. It is good to learn that j 'he chances of real danger are com--1 parativrlv remote, hut. none th© I****; old Pons -AVi nin r-b c is likely to give the | early holiday movement a spurt.