Abstract
A CONSIDERABLE number of observations of Peltier's comet are now available, and the Rev. Dr. M. Davidson has computed anew orbit, using observations from May 16 to July 15, the latter being made by Dr. W. H. Steavenson and independently by Mr. Will Hay. The period appears to be about 1500 years, but observations from the southern hemisphere, in which the comet can be followed up to October, will enable computers to obtain a more accurate period. The comet is rapidly moving south, and will not be visible in these latitudes after August 6. A comet of sixth magnitude was discovered by Kaho on July 17, and a number of observations have since been made at various observatories and also by members of the British Astronomical Association. The orbit given below was computed by Whipple and Cunningham, but as the observations used were very rough, the orbit is only approximate. Dr. Crommelin, having received more accurate observations, is now engaged in computing a general orbit. The comet is receding from the earth and sun and is fading rapidly.
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Observations on Comets. Nature 138, 240 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1038/138240b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/138240b0