REPORTS OF ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES. GOl 



The year 1880, aud tlms far in 1881, have been icmarkahk' as the 

 most unfavorable for such work for many years past. 



On October 10-11, about mid night, 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 telegraphed to 

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

 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 Observatory, succeeded in finding it, and fortunately 

 he obtained the first position of it that could be used in computing its 

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

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

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

 October 25. The comet though large, was very faint, 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 5i 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 rA 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 10-iuch refractor by the Clarks, is nearly 

 conii)leted. 



Additional information : 



The Warner Observatory has issued the following circular: 



TO AMERICAN ASTRONOMERS. 



Rochester, K Y., Januan; T), 1P<SI. 



Learning that the Imperial Academy (f Sciences of Vienna has wiih- 

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

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

 I hereby offer for every such discovery, subject to the conditions wiiicli 

 follow, the sum of 1200 in gold as a prize, to be known as the Warner 

 Safe Remedy Prize. , , . 



Condition 1.— The comet must be unexpected and telescoinc, excei>t- 

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



coming year. , n . ^, t- -4. i a* ^ 



Condition 2.— The first discovery must be made m the United btates 



or Canada. , , , , ^ 4^ 



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

 Prof. Lewis Swift, of Rochester, 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 spcicial circular or asso- 

 ciated press dispatches. . ,1 ,• e 1- ,,.,„.^ fi.o 

 Condition 4.— The telegram must give the time ot dls(•o^ely, the 

 position, directiou, and daily rate of motion with suificient exactness to 

 enable at least one astronomer to find It. o,;.«vnn-or,iinrr 

 Condition 5.— In the event of auy dispute which may arise legaiding 



