Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-01-17

me CoMET-Astrononers infofpi5 us, that q
great Comet is to appear about the beginning of
Summer, IN the present year, which will approach
the Earth's orbit more nearly than any former of
these sublime visitors. We have seen some nc
count which represents. chat if the Garth be at tho
time, in that pHrt of her orbit which the Comet
will approach nearest, it viii appear to the naked
eye large tho full moon, with a broad tail.
streaming through half the Heavens. The Boston
Centnel informs us, that the popular mind in
France, becoming somewhat alarmed at these spec
ulations, the French Philosophical Academy caused
calculations to be made and published, for the
purpose OF ailaying the apprehensions which had
seized on the minds of the ignorant. With much
confidence in the calculations OF French Science,
and with reverential confidence in the sublime
mathematics of the Most High, we are not ashamed
to confess that our minds are not sufficiently en-
llghlened to view Comet within 60 ,OGO miles of
us, with tail stretching from the Zenith to the
Horizon, with equanimity. We hope the mapni(i-
cent stranger will keep at more respectful dis
lance, nor threaten TO usurp the dominion assigned
to Mother Earth, in infinite space. The Centinel
quotes the following article =
THE COMET.
The European papers speak of Comet that w II
appear within 10000 miles of the Eurtll's orbit
some time in the year 1882. If the earth should
happen to be IT. that portion of its orbit, nearest
the path of the comet, III its approach to the sun
they say IT'S motion Will be much disturbed and Sc
rious consequences may reasonably be apprehend-
ed.-N. lalaud has computed that comets NAV
pass within $4,000 leagues without sensibly Geran
gng the motion of the earth. The comet eff I17o
approached so the earth as to increase its ne
rlodical time upwards of two days; and had its
mass been equal to that of the earth it is COM
Putod by La Place. the earth's motion in her or
bit would haSJ been equally retarded, and con-
sequehtly have increased the length of the wear
nearly forty nine hours. As no such effect was
produced, the disturbing force of the Gomez was
considered insensble. The mass of the comet was
5OOth part less than that of the earth. In lt54
the moon was eclipsed by comet; which must
have passed within 100000 miles of the earth
and 1t is known that effect was produced bv
ITS attractive force either on the earth or moon.
The immense velocity of comets NAV be a prici
PAL reason who they do not sensibly affect the mo-
;ia;l cf'he planets. That Of 1880 was calculated
ny Newton TO move at the rate e GOJ,oJ0 mites
an hour, and Brahone observed one at P3ler
mo IN 1910, whose velocity be computed TO be
eluai to 2,oOU0Oo miles an hour. The COM
CT OF iAoo is best known by astronomers. Its
period is computed to be about 76 years
though from its motion being disturbed by the
panets, 1t is sometimes longer. 1t appeared
IN 1852 very bright: and was looked after with
very great anxiety in 175S-but Clairault
dete rmncd from ejaculation that it would not
appear till April, 1859. The increased length
OF It's period he attributed to the influence Of Jupi
ter and Saturn, " hch il would pass. 1t
accordingly approached nearest the sun on the
18th OF March, 1859. Ifthis is the comet to which
inc European papers refer, it will not ppear till
1884 or 5.-The distance of this comet from the
sun, when, In tho extreme end of its orbit, is
about o2,OOO000 miles; yet returns regularly and
It's period has been calculated by the mathemati-
clan within 80 days.