Punch,  8 (1845), 132.

Another New Comet

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Observation, Instruments, Controversy


    Describes the dispute between several astronomers in Naples over the appearance of a new comet. Some regard it as a comet, others a nebula. One of the astronomers, Edward J Cooper, sought the help of James South, who replied that he could not do anything until he gets a 'leviathan telescope'—an allusion to the great telescope of William Parsons (3rd Earl of Rosse) at Parsonstown, Ireland. Recommends that the matter be placed in the hands of the 'Detective Force' that can be 'empowered to take into custody any luminous body with a long tail that cannot give a satisfactory account of itself'. Suspects the comet will prove to be 'nothing more than a nebula'.



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