Abstract
Pluto.—The first observation of Pluto after its conjunction with the sun was obtained by Prof. M. Wolf at Konigstuhl on Aug. 29 (on two plates taken with the reflector); the approximate position is R.A. 7h 27–9m, N. Decl. 21° 54′, which is in accord with the ephemeris in Lick Bulletin, No. 427. The period adopted in that Bulletin is 249–1661 years. Many other computers have found similar periods, so that the orbit is now known within narrow limits. The Bulletin gives approximate ephemerides for every year back to 1890, in the hope that further images may be found. Prof. Wolf has found an image that may be Pluto on a plate exposed on 1914 Jan. 23d 7h 33.0m Königstuhl M.T.; R.A. (1914.0) 5h 57m 54.93s, N. Decl. (1914.0) 17° 37′ 23.0′; the Lick ephemeris, reduced to the same equinox, gives 5h 58m 1s, 17° 38′. As some approximations were used in preparing the ephemeris for past years, the discordance is not excessive.
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Our Astronomical Column. Nature 126, 485 (1930). https://doi.org/10.1038/126485a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/126485a0