Comet Kohler (1977m)

D. Despois, E. Gerard, B. Darchy and J. Pezzani report that observations with a dual linear-polarization 50-K receiver at Nancay Radio Observatory since Oct. 21 show the OH line at 1667 MHz in absorption; the brightness temperature is about -0.13 K and the line width 3 km/s. The OH gas production is comparable to that of comet Kohoutek (1973 XII). The brightness temperature is increasing owing to the approaching background galactic ridge and should reach ~ -4 K during Nov. 2-5.