The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-11-26
THE BIG COMET COMING.
1t Is a Flyer and Scheduled to
Rush by Helena To-
Morrow.
It's Head Will Look Four Times
Larger Than the,
Moon.
Will BE So Prominent as to Strike Ter
ror to the Hearts of the
Unversed.

As soon as the clouds break away. tele-
scopes aud field glasses. large and small,
aud thousands of naked eyes as well
will be brought into service to get &
look at the prospective celestial visitor
which is 30 rapidly approaching our planet
The unfavorable atmospheric conditions
that have prevailed for a few nights have
prevented the scientific observations neces-
sary to gain Il more accurate knowledge OF
the yaporous vagrant. 1t is not a speou-
latiye presumption. but can be predicted
with assurance that if, as is believed, the
Holmes comet is identical with Biela's. Its
approach to the earth on Nov. y will be
much closer than that of any other comet,
or that of this same comet, on previous
occasions.
1t seems almost incomprehensible that a
celestial body now almost invisible to the
naked eve will in a short time have
propelled itself through space to q point
where it will occupy a position in our firm
ament SO prominent us not only to strike
with awe the scientist. but to strike terror
to the hearts of many not versed in scien-
tlfc lore. 1t is estimated that the diam
eter of the nebulosity of the comet ls
about Sc. 900 miles, and of the densest part
about 800 miles. This comet, which is now
situated in the constellation Andromeda,
will probably approach the earth to within
1,000,0O0 miles, when its head VIII appear
to have four times the diameter OF the fnil
moon, and its tail will probably extend as
far as FROM horizon to zenith. Its color Will
be a deep red. In this it will differ from
other comets.
Even if it does not come into contact
with the earth, it will nc doubt cause su-
perstitious people in half civilized or bar
barous countries to become FRUSTRATED with
fright. Many others who ought to know
better may share the terror of the ignorant.
The earth, in its revolution about the
sun, is due at q certain point on November
"a. The comet is believed to be likewise
making for the same point. and 1t Is due
there at very nearly the same time ss the
earth. Late computations have placed the
difference in time at about eight hours IN
favor of the earth. In other words, 1t mas
been figured out that the earth will arrive
at the point where is orbit is lntersected
by that of the comet eight hours too soon
to collide with the latter. Telescope OBJ
servations were made when the conditions
permitted. in order to compute what the
relative positions Of the comet and the
earth will be at about 10 p. m. on Sunday,
November 81. The nebulous mass will
rush past much the saTne as a train OF cars
under full Roadway, soon to lose itself IN
the space beyond. To-day it ought to
be plainly observable to the naked eye,
and after that it will increase in size with
startling rapidity.
II the comet attains the size which it is
believed it will, it will present such a sight
as history thus far written does not record.
Picture to yourself a luminous body shin
ing with a red, Pickering light. between
three and four feet in diameter at the head
and broadening out until its extremity ex-
tends half across the hrmament, and you
will be able to form some idea OF how this
comet will when it 10 nearest to us. +
course a great part of this body will be ex-
tremely diaphanous; in fact it ls doubtful
that the tail will be in appearance of greater
density than we'll defined northern lights.
Whether even the nucleus is a solid body,
is Il matter of great doubt. 1t is therefore
not at all probable that even if the earth
and the comet should come together any
damage would result to the former. We
might never know of the collision, though
we passed right through the comet. Comets
are large, celestial bluffs, and it is quite
probable that their tenulty becomes more
apparent the nearer they approach, just as
what at a distance looks like a dense cloud
becomes a very ordinary fog when seen at
close range. Therefore. while awaiting
what promises to be a splendid phenom-
enon. cont lose any sleep in thinking of
Wudt ulISIb udppch IL tAo SehSA ohoaAah y
bsat the comet.
10 the naked eye the comet at present
looks like a small patch of nebulous matter
about the size of a mans hand. Those who
wish to see the comet may look for it just a
little south of the zenith at $50 p. IN. 1t
easses below the horizon at about $3.50 a. III.
Every time a comet appears much specula-
ton ia INDUCED in as to the composition of
these erratic heavenly bodies, their purpose
and effect on the earth. Modem 8, hence
has taught much concerning the physical
nature of comets, but no positively correct
theory has been accepted.
Comets are almost always ACCOMPANIED
with the st ange appearance of q tai, which
frequently attalns gigantic dimensions.
However, the matter OF which 1t ls COM
posed expands TO a considerable degree,
and stars situated millions Of miles away
are seen through it without diminished
brightness.
Astronomers seem to have different ideas
as to the origin of comets. The solution de-
ponds upon mathematical reasoning, based
on the calculated paths of all comets that
have been observed. They undoubtedly
originate outside the solar system, and IN
asmuch as planets move IN nearly circular
orbits about the sun, no one has shown whv
comets, if they have the same origin, should
move in elongated orbits, entirely different
from those OF planets.
All comets must take their origin i'll some
prineyal nebulae from which a solar system
has been evolved. The disturbing action
of Il large planet may increase the velocity
of a comet SO much aa to cause 1T to escape
from the control of the sun and be pro-
iected into iliimitable regions of space.
When once free 1T will go on i'll a nearly
straight line forever, unless, perchnnce,
some powerful source of attraction arrests
its flight. The possibility of such an oc.
currence is By no means imaginary. Com
etp. as compared with the earth, are small,
in proportion. No comet has been found
large enough TO exert a sensible attraction
upon any celestial body found in its yicin,
ity.
Entirely gaseous bodies can not EXIT il
of liquid bodies, IN their practical appiica-
ton to the EXPLANATION of cometGry phe,
nomena are predetermined, as but little il
known of the mass of the comet, the solal
radiation and the absolute Temperature OF
space.
The influence of comets upon the earth i,
quite insignificant. They may, however
affect the eatth's magnetic condition AM
possibly its meteorology.
The appearance of a great comet, Will
il some respects il does not exert u mos
happy influence on mankind, yet stimulate
the curiosity of men and directs thei
thoughts to the more particular contempla
ton of the glorious universe which sur
rounds them.
a Cod Comet.