Comets and Balloons

Abstract

THE notion that the tails of comets are produced by an emission of the nucleus prevails at present among astronomers. I have just stated in a small pamphlet, 8vo, 32 pages, the reason why I presume to entertain another opinion on this subject. The details of my last aërial trip of July 2 show that by using an electric light night ascents at a reasonable distance from the sea may be considered as relatively without danger. The appearance of Schäberle's comet seems to me to afford a proper occasion for testing the emission theory, and I will try to explain my idea as shortly as possible.