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Story
December 27, 1832
Herald Of The Times
Newport, Newport County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
A comet visible with a glass passed Earth's orbit on the 29th, narrowly avoiding collision. It measured 42,000 miles in diameter and debunked ominous prophecies as Earth continues its orbit unharmed.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
From the Hingham Gazette.
THE COMET.
Now visible by the aid of a glass in an Eastern direction, (South of Hercules,) passed the orbit of the earth on the 29th, between 11 and 12 of the clock. It is now moving off in a Southerly direction, inclining withal to the East. It passed just within the orbit* of the Earth, about the 21st degree of Cancer. The diameter of the Comet is 42,000 miles, including what is called its envelope. It is not possible for a Comet to come in contact with the earth at any other time or place, except when crossing the ecliptic. This is past; and in spite of the wonderful ominous prophecies, to the contrary, our earth still moves on as usual, at the rate of about 68,000 miles per hour in its orbit. Had the comet been just 32 days later in its revolution, or had the earth been 32 days advanced in its orbit, the Comet would have struck the Earth at the point of the ecliptic where the Comet crossed; or to say the least their two atmospheres would have mingled together; and their mutual attraction probably would have caused a collision of the two bodies. There is little chance of any Comet's coming in contact with the Earth; at least any of those which have appeared, or whose orbits have been ascertained. [Confucius.
*18,500 within it.
THE COMET.
Now visible by the aid of a glass in an Eastern direction, (South of Hercules,) passed the orbit of the earth on the 29th, between 11 and 12 of the clock. It is now moving off in a Southerly direction, inclining withal to the East. It passed just within the orbit* of the Earth, about the 21st degree of Cancer. The diameter of the Comet is 42,000 miles, including what is called its envelope. It is not possible for a Comet to come in contact with the earth at any other time or place, except when crossing the ecliptic. This is past; and in spite of the wonderful ominous prophecies, to the contrary, our earth still moves on as usual, at the rate of about 68,000 miles per hour in its orbit. Had the comet been just 32 days later in its revolution, or had the earth been 32 days advanced in its orbit, the Comet would have struck the Earth at the point of the ecliptic where the Comet crossed; or to say the least their two atmospheres would have mingled together; and their mutual attraction probably would have caused a collision of the two bodies. There is little chance of any Comet's coming in contact with the Earth; at least any of those which have appeared, or whose orbits have been ascertained. [Confucius.
*18,500 within it.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Fate Providence
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Comet Passage
Earth Orbit
Astronomical Near Miss
Ominous Prophecies
Collision Avoidance
Story Details
Event Date
On The 29th, Between 11 And 12 Of The Clock
Story Details
The comet passed just within Earth's orbit in Cancer, visible eastward south of Hercules, now moving south-east. Diameter 42,000 miles. Avoided collision despite prophecies; potential strike if timings differed by 32 days. Low chance of future impacts.