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                      THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA

                                                                       Bulletin No. 8
                               COMET AND NOVA SECTION



SUMMARY OF SEARCHES, 1965

During 1965, 16 observers carried out 1943 searches of 56 areas.   Members of four
Centres, as well as two unattached members, participated in this program, as shown
in the following summary prepared by Mr. David Levy.

          Member                       Centre       No. of Areas  No. of Searches

     A.	Baker                          Montreal           1              1
     Mrs. C.L. Bridgen                 Victoria           3            163
     Miss E. Dack                      Montreal           1             44
     J. D. Finkel                          "              1             23
     R. Gallant                        Unattached         7             59
     D. Levy                           Montreal           3            146
     J. T. Long                            "              5            245
     H.	N. A. Maclean                  Niagara Falls      6            442
     K.	McCulloch                      Toronto          misc.           65
     L.	Nikkinen                       Montreal           1             25
     W. Shakalis                           "              1             20
     s.	Simon                              "              1              3
     N.	Sylvester                      Hamilton          17            305
     V.	Williams                       Montreal           3            237
     Miss I.K. Williamson                  "              2             48
     Mrs. K. Zorgo                         "              4            117
                                                Total    56           1943

THRE NEW COMETS

Within a period of five weeks, three new caets have been discovered, although none
of these can be seen with the naked we. Observations for the first two were re-
ported while it is too early to expect reports on the third.

COMET KILSTON (1966b)

was discovered by Stephen Kilston on August 8, 1966.   As it is not expected to become
much brighter than tenth magnitude, no announcement was prepared.   However, several
active observers were informed of this comet and the Co-ordinator was pleased to
receive reports of many observations.   Most observed the comet as a small nebulous
patch of about tenth magnitude with no tail.   A list follows with the number of
observations made by each member:

                          E. Bridgen      Victoria       1
                          A. Capper       Montreal       1
                          Dr. G. Fortier  Montreal      11
                          D. Levy         Montreal      12
                          J. Low          Montreal       2
                          H.N.A.Maclean   Niagara Falls  3
                          J. Matte        Quebec         2

                                          Total	        32

Comet and Nova Section, Bulletin No.8                                              -2-


                                COMET BARBON (1966c)

was discovered on a photograph taken with the 48-inch Schmidt telescope at Palomar on
August 15; it was then about ninth magnitude.    Since it is becoming fainter, no
announcement was sent out, but our active observers were kept informed.    Several
members searched for this comet, with only one successful observation by David Levy
on September 11, who estimated the magnitude between eleven and twelve.   It is listed
in the ephemeris below; at least an 8-inch telescope will be required to observe this
comet.

                            COMET IKEYA-EVERHARAT (1966d)

was discovered by Kaoru Ikeya on September 8, but not confirmed until Dr. Edgar Ever-
hart made an independent discovery four days later.   During the early evening it may
be seen as an object with a magnitude around eight or nine.    This comet appears to
be moving rapidiy.    No ephemeris is available at the mcnent, but its position is
given for September 12, with the approximate daily motion.   It it continues to move
away from the sun and brightens, an announcement will be sent out.

Ephemeris 1966   00 U.T.    Epoch 1950.0

          Kilston                      Barbon                      Ikeya-Everhart
           h  m     o  '           h  m      o  '             h  m         o  '
Sept.12   18 13.6  08 46 N        00 44.5   07 27 S          13 18.2      20 27 N
     22   18 24.5  05 02 N        00 40.3   10 02 S              4.5         30
Oct.  2   18 37.5  01 32 N        00 35.7   12 17 S            east        south
     12   18 52.0  01 40 S        00 31.3   14 05 S
     22   19 08.2  04 28 S        00 27.9   15 23 S                Daily motion.
Nov.  1   19 25.7  06 57 S        00 25.9   16 12 S
     11   19 44.2  09 02 S        00 25.6   16 34 S
     21   20 03.5  10 44 S
Dec.  1   20 23.4  12 05 S
     11   20 43.6  13 04 S
     21   21 03.9  13 45 S
     31   21 24.3  14 09 S
Jan. 10   21 44.6  14 20 S

Members who observe these comets are asked to submit their reports to the National Co-
ordinator.


NOTES:   David Levy of the Montreal Centre has been searching for comets with an 8-inch
reflector since December 1965.    After 48 hours of searching, he has so far discovered
only Messier and NGC objects.    H.N.A. Maclean of the Niagara Falls Centre made more
searches than any other member last year.    He also observed Nova Herculis 1963 until
well into 1966 although it was a difficult object, around 14th magnitude.

Since this Bulletin is mailed only to selected members, would recipients please show it
to other interested members. Members and Centres not taking part in this program are
invited to do so; instructions will be sent upon request.  PLEASE NOTE MY NEW ADDRESS.

                                                   Jim Low, National Co-ordinator,
                                                   Comet and Nova Section,
                                        Standing Committee on Observational Activities,
                                                   Box 172, AMF Postal Station,
                                                   Montreal International Airport,
21 September, 1966.                                Dorval, P.Q.