Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Amateurism, Observation, Reading

    Discusses the poor life of the comet who is having to put up with being hunted 'to death' and 'chevied down until he goes to earth, or rather sinks below it'. Observes that 'All England has in fact been star-struck for the nonce, and amateur astronomers have been plentiful as partridges', and describes how the comet's movements have been 'continually reported' in the Court Circular and other papers. Expresses no surprise that the comet 'looks so red in the face' given the amount of scrutiny from naked-eye observers. As a once 'bright rising star', Punch expresses sympathy for the comet and laments the idea of the 'comet and planet Punch' being stared at every night.