REPORTS OF ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES. 001 



The year 1880, and thus far in 1881, liave been remarkable as tlie 

 most unfavorable for such work for many years jjast. 



On October 10-11, about niiduight, another new comet was discovered. 

 Although no positive motion was detected in two hours' watching, from 

 a strong suspicion that it was a comet, the discovery was telegrai)hed to 

 four astronomers widely separated, in the hope that some one of theiu 

 would be fortunate enough to have a clear sky, and be able to secure an 

 early observation before the moon would interfere. Only one. Professor 

 Boss, of the Dudley Ob.servatory, succeeded in finding it, and fortunately 

 he obtained the first position of it that could be used in com])uting its 

 orbit. Ou the evening of the 11th, as soon as twilight had disappeared 

 and in presence of a half moon, it was re-observed and immediately 

 cabled, but owing to mooidight it was not discovered in Europe until 

 October 25. The comet though large, was very fahit, and proved 

 to be identical with comet III, 18G9 (Tempel), which adds another to 

 the list of periodic comets. It was for some time a question whether 

 its period was 11 or 5^ years. A thorough discussion of all the observa- 

 tions during Its present and last observed apparition by Prof. S. C. 

 Chandler, jr., and also by others, proves beyond all doubt that its 

 period is a little less than 5i years. 



The Warner Observatory is not yet completed, though work on it is 

 progressing satisfactorily, and it will be ready for occupancy* in early 

 autumn. The telescope, a 16-iuch refractor by the Clakks, is nearly 

 completed. 



Additional information : 



The Warner Observatory- has issued the following circular: 



TO AMERICAN ASTRONOMERS. 



EOCHESTER, ]Sr. Y., January o, 1881. 



Learning that the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Vienna has with- 

 drawn its offer of a gold medal valued at $00 for the discovery of comets, 

 and being desirous that the search for them should not be abandoned, 

 I hereby ofler for every such discovery, subject to the conditions which 

 follow, the sum of $200 in gold as a prize, to be known as the Warner' 

 Safe liemedy Prize. 



Condition 1. — The comet must be unexpected and telescopic, except- 

 ing only tlie comet of 1812, which is expected to reappear during the 

 coming year. 



Condition 2. — The first discovery must be made in the United States 

 or Canada. 



Condition 3.— Immediate notification by telegraph must be made to 

 Prof. Lewis Swift, of Eochester, director of the Warner Observatory, 

 who will cause the same to be cabled to Europe, and will also send 

 notification to astronomers in this country by special circular or asso- 

 ciated press disi>atches. 



Condition 4. — The telegram must give the time of disco\ery, the 

 position, direction, and daily rate of motion with sufficient exactness to 

 enable at least one astronomer to find it. 



Condition 5.— In the event of any dispute which may arise regarding 



