E68 -- Fortgesetzte Beantwortung der Fragen über die Beschaffenheit, Bewegung und Würckung der Cometen.
(Further answers to various questions about the condition, motion, and effects of comets)
Summary:
(based on Eric J. Aiton's introduction (written in English) to Opera Omnia Series 2, Volume 31)
This paper is a continuation of E67. Euler gives credit to
Kepler for the basic idea of the theory
that Euler adopts. He says that the apparent zig-zag path that some comets seem to follow towards the end of their
visibility
is not the result of an irregularity in the real orbit of the comets; rather, it is the result of the motion of the earth.
In addition, Euler resolves some questions related to:
- the density of the atmosphere of comets;
- the rotations of comets on their axes; and
- the reason why the images of comets and planets are brighter in small telescopes than in large ones.
He says that in order to resolve many questions dealing with orbits (for example, the reason why the small force of the
sun's gravity at aphelion can bring a comet back),
one should study mathematics. Among the other things that Euler includes in this paper are:
- a demonstration of the true path of the comet of 1744 based on the observations of astronomers in Lausanne, Paris,
and Berlin;
- a detailed daily record of the observations of an accomplished lady of the comet of 1744.
a.s.
It contains 19 chapters with long
titles.
Publication:
-
Originally published in , 1744, pp.
-
Opera Omnia: Series 2, Volume 31, pp. 151 - 194
Documents Available:
Return to the Euler Archive