Telescopic Appearances of Donati's Comet, as seen from the Cambridge Observatory, Sept 24, 8pm, 1858 Creator: Unknown

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Telescopic Appearances of Donati's Comet, as seen from the Cambridge Observatory, Sept 24, 8pm, 1858 Creator: Unknown

Telescopic Appearances of Donati's Comet, as seen from the Cambridge Observatory, Sept. 24, 8p.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 Sept. 24 the luminous sector had stretched out for a very considerable distance; the margins were extremely bright, and almost met the outer portions of the head. The outer and brightest part of the luminous sector was considerably more than a semicircle, and seemed like a miniature of a solar halo, the nucleus of the comet taking the position of the sun. The space below the nucleus and fantail-light, as seen in an inverting telescope [and in the engraving] was nearly quite black, with the exception of the margins of the tail'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858

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Comet Donati Giovanni Giovanni Donati Night Sky

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image showcases the telescopic appearances of Donati's Comet, as observed from the Cambridge Observatory on September 24, 1858, at 8 p.m. The comet, which had been a spectacle in the night sky for several weeks, was approaching its perihelion, or closest point to the sun. This unique vantage point offered astronomers a rare opportunity to study the intricacies of the comet's head and nucleus as they transformed in response to the sun's intense heat. The luminous sector of the comet, the bright, glowing region surrounding the nucleus, had stretched out significantly, creating a spectacle that resembled a miniature solar halo. The margins of the luminous sector were exceptionally bright and nearly met the outer portions of the head. The outer and brightest part of the sector was more than a semicircle in size, giving the appearance of a halo with the nucleus of the comet taking the place of the sun. The space below the nucleus and the fantail-light, as seen in an inverting telescope and depicted in this engraving, was nearly black, with the exception of the margins of the tail. The intricacies of the comet's structure were a source of fascination for astronomers and the public alike, and this image offers a glimpse into the wonders of the universe that could be discovered through the lens of a telescope.

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