142 HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY. 



There are three distinct circumstances worthy of atten- 

 tion their relative magnitude, intensity of light, and dis- 

 tance from each other. 



On the 13th of January, the companion was estimated 

 to have one eighth the magnitude of Biela; from this 

 time it steadily increased until the middle of February, 

 when it was judged to be equal to Biela ; after which it 

 rapidly declined, until it disappeared during the month of 

 March. 



Again, on the 13th of January, the light of the com- 

 panion was estimated to have one fourth the intensity of 

 Biela ; from which time its light increased till the middle 

 of February, when it was judged to be somewhat brighter 



APPEABANCE OF BIELA' 8 COMET. 



March 30, 1846. Feb. 18, 1846. Dec. 29, 1845. 



than Biela ; after which it rapidly declined, and on the 

 1st of March could with difficulty be seen, although Biela 

 remained quite conspicuous. At the close of March the 



