2-982-469 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Telescopic Appearances of Donati's Comet, as seen from the Cambridge Observatory, Oct. 5, 6.30p.m, 1858. 'As it but seldom happens that such a favourable opportunity occurs for examining the changes which take place in the head and nucleus of a large comet approaching to and receding from the sun as in the magnificent object which has just disappeared from sight, a few particulars respecting those may not be misplaced in the columns of the Illustrated London News...On October 5 the luminous sector was very large, bright, and well defined, but was again altogether separated from the outer portion of the head, a very dark and broad space being between them. A remarkable phenomenon was noticed this night in the luminous sector - viz., the appearance of two dark spots on it, which seemed like holes through it. The larger one had a brighter spot within it'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.