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THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA
THE STANDING COMMITTEE FOR OBSERVATIONAL ACTIVITIES

COMET AND NOVA SECTION.

SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
    for 1964.

1. SEARCHES FOR COMETS AND NOVAE:
       During 1964, 2222 searches were made of 59 areas by 13 observers.  This is
a decrease from 1963 when 2299 searches were made of 60 areas by 27 observers.
This apparent decrease in interest may be attributed to the fact that no bright
comet or nova was well placed for observation during the year.
       Most observers used binoculars and checked stars in their 10°x10° areas to
about sixth magnitude, and two observers made naked eye searches of the dome.
No discovery was reported by members during the year.

2.  OBSERVATIONS OF COMETS AND NOVAE:
       Two observations of Comet Ikeya 1964 were reported, and notice was
received that other observations of several fainter comets were made.  Not enough
information was received for a statistical study.
       Mr. H. N. A. Maclean of Niagara Falls reported 21 observations of Nova
Herculis 1963 during 1964.  It showed a gradual decline from 10th magnitude
to 12th magnitude during the year.

3.  BULLETINS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
       One Bulletin (no. 5) was issued during 1964; on March 15.  Two Announce-
ments were mailed out; no. 8 on July 5 giving an ephemeris on Comet Tamita-Gerber-
Honda, and no. 9 on July 21 for Comet Ikeya 1964.  Both comets remained near the
sun while they were bright, and were not well placed for observation.

4.  SUMMARY:
       As in previous years, some observations of comets were not reported to
the National Coordinator.  Since members and Centres wish to keep copies for
their own records, making extra copies can present a problem.  Perhaps if a
standard report form for comet observations was prepared, this would encourage
the reporting of observations.  This matter should be given much thought and
the National Coordinator would like advise form the Chairman and Committee
before going ahead with any plans for making more forms than already exist.

April 2, 1965                      Respectfully submitted,



108 Roy Avenue, Apt. 102           Jim Low, National Coordinator
Dorval, P.Q.                       S.C.O.A., R.A.S.C.
                                   Comet and Nova Section