METEOR FALLS, SUPER BOLIDES AND EARTH SKIMMING OBJECTS IN AUSTRALIA
FROM THE YEARS 1836 TO 1869.
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(Note: There are a few overseas entries of significance that made Australian papers. For complete transpearancy I have kept editing to the bare minimum, so spelling mistakes and general grammatical errors are original text.)
1836, The Sydney Monitor, NSW: Fri 18 Nov 1836, Meteorological Phenomenon.-At twenty minutes past three o'clock on Wednesday morning last, the eastern sky was illuminated by the sudden appearanceof an immense meteor, which took a direction to the westward, occupying three minutes in its course. This meteor will, perhaps, have been visible over a great portion of the southern hemisphere.
1838, The Australian, Sydney, NSW: Tue 10 Jul 1838, Meteors at Swan River. — A strange appearance in the sky took place lastmonth, about 9 o'clock in the evening. The Heavens to the southward suddenly became illuminated, and assumed the appearance of a red colour. Vivid coruscations of pale light from the the main body darted themselves into the sky, and formed a most interesting spectacle. A considerable number of natives were encamped in the town of Perth at the time, and expressed their astonishment by loud shouts. There can be no doubt that it was the Aurora Australis. The Aurora Borealis could not have equalled this interesting appearance in brilliancy. Several meteors have been observed here since the foundation of the colony. A very remarkable one, described to be half as large as a man's body, rushed through the air with a noise resembling the transit of one of Congreve's rockets, and plunged into the Swan River in the immediate vicinity of some persons in a boat. The violent concussion caused the water to arise in spray to the height of nearly twenty feet. This occurred in the day time, and the interesting phenomenon appeared to be of a dark colour. Another meteor,seen at night, and of a very large and luminous ap-pearance, was observed passing through the air between Mount Eliza and the Canning River. It had a hissing sound, and exploded with a loud report. Ameteor of extraordinary brilliancy was observed moving between Garden Island and the main land. It proceeded slowly at first, but after stretching along the island, shot through the sky with the velocity of lightning, and disappeared around Rous's Head, on the right bank of the Swan River.
1840, Launceston Advertiser, Tasmania. : Thu 13 Feb 1840, On Friday evening last, about eight o'clock, a beautifully luminous meteor, known as the Aurora Australis,or Southern Light, appeared to the south-west of the town. It consisted of long columns or streams of clear white light, spouting up from the horizon almost to the zenith, gradually spreading towards the west, brilliantly illuminating a great part of the hemisphere. It continued increasing and decreasing for the space of half an hour, changing from clear white to a reddish hue, inclining to yellow. The evening was serene— the sky clear, and the stars bright ; before the phenomena disappeared, a dark cloud arose, which was beautifully tinged with red, as it came in contact with the “Aurora Australis.”
1840, The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser, NSW : Mon 17 Aug 1840, FIERY METEOR.—On Thursday morning last, between one and two o'clock, a beautiful fiery meteor of extraordinary brilliancy, was observed in the north-west portion of the heavens, in that part of the Zodiac known by the sign of Scorpio ; after remaining stationary for some seconds, and illuminating a great portion of the horizon, it suddenly darted towards the earth, leaving in its descent streaks of clear white light, studded with luminous red particles, which were visible sometime after the orb had disappeared.
1842, (Story from France), The Hobart Town Advertiser, Tas. : Fri 15 Apr 1842, The meteoric stone which fell a few days ago at Chateau-Henard, says the Moniteur Puritien, has the appeuronce of granite of a light grey colour. Interspersed in tho mass are bright grains of metallic iron, which distinguish it from the stones of our globe, in witch metallic iron has never been found, probably on account of the rapidity with which this metal passes to a stale of oxydation. The surface of the stone is covered with a crust, caused by the heat arising from the rate of its passage to the earth, and its contact with our atmosphere.
1842, (Story From Scotland), The Courier, Hobart, Tas. : Fri 27 May 1842, Splendid Meteor-On Tuesday evening, about one o'clock, a meteor, of unusual size and splendour, was witnessed in this quarter. The evening was very clear, the sky being without a cloud, and the moon shining brightly. Suddenly, a dazzlingnblaze of light burst from the sky, illuminating Benlomond and the distant hills, the carse around Craigforth, and indeed the earth and air on every side as far as the eye could reach, with all the brilliancy of noon-day. The phenomenon appeared like a ball of fire, of an oblong shape, and apparently almost twice the size of the moon, having at the time somewhat of the same silvery appearance as that luminary, but flaming with a brilliancy so intense as almost to dazzle the eyes. A tail ofnfire, somewhat resembling that of a rocket, but composed of the most beautifully varied colours, streamed behind it for a short distance, adding much to its splendour, and giving the whole an appearance at once singularly magnificent and sublime. Before it disappeared it assumed a red glowing appearance, and then burst, for an instant enveloping the earth and sky in a blaze as bright and dazzling as the most vivid lightning. It appeared to pass from the south to the north, inclining towards the earth. – Glasgow Herald.
1843, The Colonial Observer, Sydney, NSW: Wed 8 Mar 1843, THE COMET. For some evenings past a comet has been visible in the west, immediately after sun- set attended with a brilliant train of light projecting far up into the heavens, the Astromer Royal has kindly furnished us with a few remarks on the subject, which we subjoin, for the benefit of the scientific portion of our readers :—to thei1e editor of the colonial observer. Observatory, 6th March, 1843. SIR — I trouble you with a few remarks respecting the comet which is now visible in the west, after sun set. On Sunday, the 5th instant, at 7 o'clock in the evening, the right ascension of the nucleus or head was 3 deg. 40 min. 57 sec.; and the declination, 11 deg. 57 min. 46 sec., south ; its daily motion, in right ascension, is at present 3 deg. 52 min. 52 sec. Towards the east ; and in declination, 14 min. 12 sec. Towards the south. The sudden burst of such a splendid meteor upon us has been the cause of much speculation ; but its situation and its motion will explain this. On Monday, the 27th February, the comet and the sun were both of the same right ascension — that is, they both set in the west at the same instant, the comet being 2 deg. 25 min. to the south of the sun at setting ; and as the direction of the projecting ray or tail is always in direct opposition to that in which the sun is situated from the comet, the tail would be parallel to the horizon, and set at the same time with the sun and the comet, and consequently would be invisible. From the comet's daily motion, and the great length of its tail, two days would be sufficient to render not only the tail, but in a clear sky, the nucleus or head visible after sunset. The tail is about 40 degrees in length and about 1 degree in breadth, separating into two branchss about 10 degrees from the head. The north side of the tail is the brightest and better defined than the southern side, The nucleus is fully 1 minute in diameter. — I am, Sir, your obedient servant. James Dunlop.
REPORT 2: The following description of the appearance of this interesting object, is extracted from the Maitland Mercury. It possesses none of the accuracy of detail by which the above communication of our talented co- patriot is distinguished; but as the descript- tion by an ordinary observer of this unexpected phenomenon, as saw in a different part of the country, it may, to many of our readers, not be without its interest : — On Thursday evening, just after sunset, a long, narrow streak of light, nearly perpendicular, but having a slight curve, was visible in the south-west, appearing nearly over the spot where the sun had disappeared. At the lower end was a changeable bright body, resembling a large star, rather palish, sometimes appearing bright, and at others but just perceivable, as if covered by a mist. The attention of many persons in Maitland was attracted by this appearance, which was visible for a considerable time, and gradually sunk, eventually disappearing behind the Wollombi range. For a short period, during which the whole phenomenon was very vivid, bright flashes of light could be distinctly observed, as if proceeding from the star-like body up into the streak of light attached to it. This streak was visible long after the star had sunk beneath the horizon, but grew gradually longer and fainter, until at length it could not be distinguished. “We have received the following account of the phenomenon from an esteemed correspondent : — “ Last even- ing a very large comet was seen in the south- west ; as the sun set it became visible, and as the comet set it was so powerful as to illuminate the ridge of the “Wollombi range, giving a distinct outline to them. The direction of the comet was about S.W. By S., and its tail was at least thirty-five degrees long, and, most extraordinary, slightly curved to the south, viz. About one degree in its whole length. From this I infer that it is making a circuit which will strike much nearer the pole on the other side than this ;* * * * This; I presume, is a new comet, as no notice is taken of it in our almanacs ; I am sorry that, for want of instruments, I am unable to give you a more correct account of it.” Last evening (Friday) it again appeared about the same time, with little change in its position or proportions. The streak or tail was rather brighter, distinctly tremulous, and varying in length, seeming to shoot every now and again, Kiama Pound.
1845, The Australian, Sydney, NSW : Sat 4 Jan 1845, A beautiful meteor shot over, and completely illuminated every part of Windsor, about half-past eight o'clock on Saturday evening last, and on approaching the comet it separated into three portions or stars, and instantly disappeared. The meteor assumed various colors during its progress, from deep green to a mellowed moon light. Shortly after its disappearance the sky became overcast with murky clouds from the westward, and a storm seemed brewing — but, contrary to expectation— they, too, soon vanished, and the crescent moon again as- sumed its wonted brilliancy.
1845, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Fri 23 May 1845, METEOR. To the Editors of the Sydney Morning Herald. Gentlemen,-The notice in your paper of the 13th instant, of a very remarkable meteor having been seen by the schooner Jane, when off Trial Bay, on Wednesday, the 7th instant, which is described to have been visible for more than one hour, and to have been seen in the south-west part of the sky, the two extremities bearing south and west, induces me to communicate the fact of its having also been seen in three different parts of the Australian Agricultural Company's Grant, at Port Stephens; but it occurred on Tuesday, the 6th. From the accordance of the account, it was probably the same phenomenon: one or other of the parties may have mistaken the day, probably, on board the Jane, as it was reported from three different places to have occurred on Tuesday. It was first seen about half-past six o'clock in the evening, as a stationary luminous object, and appeared as if a broad curved or waved line had been drawn with phosphorus, on a black door, in a darkened room. The lower part, which produced a considerable glare of light, was much more bright than the upper extremity, and was partly concealed by the ranges to the eastward. It lasted about an hour and a half, and gradually disappeared at about eight o'clock. It remained stationary in the place where it was first seen. It reached a little more than half way across the heavens, and by a pocket compass bore N. by E., (by the east and south) to S.W. By W. So re- markable a phenomenon must have been seen by many who may be able to render a more detailed account. A. A. C.
1846, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Sat 13 Jun 1846, METEOR. To the Editors of the Sydney Morning Herald. GENTLEMEN,-For the information of your correspondent “ W. B C.” and of other meteorologists both here and elsewhere, I pen the following notice. While pacing up and down my verandah on Monday evening last, the 8th instant, a fine unclouded moonlight evening, about half-past eight o'clock, I beheld a splendid meteor to the south of east, over the sea. It descended from about 45° from the zenith, and passing in an oblique direction to the horizon through about 10°, it vanished, emitting scintillations, as from an extinguished sky rocket. In size it was about half the moon's apparent diameter. Should any other persons at different distances have seen this meteor, and have recorded their observations, and communicate them to your journal, I have no doubt but that “ W. B. C.” would be enabled to tell us from what height in the heavens this evanescent traveller of the upper regions shed forth its little moonlight movement of blissupon this lower world.
1846, The Sydney morning Herald, Thu 13 Aug 1846, METEOR. To the Editor, of the Sydney Morning Herald. GENTLEMEN,- Should you deem this worthy of a corner in your widely circulated journal, I trust you will have the goodness to insert it, for the perusal of those few of your readers whom it may interest : On Sunday evening, as I was walking hence to Newtown, (at about half-past six o'clock,) a sudden ray of light shone over the ground, communicating a reddish tinge to the trees and fence around. I immediately looked upwards to ascertain the cause of so sudden and remarkable a change, and perceived in the zenith a very large “Meteor,” in size and appearance resembling the moon when not quite “ full,” it was then assuming, and afterwards maintained the appearance of a sky rocket, (only much larger,) and descended with rapidity, about -I should imagine 45°, taking the course, say from N N.E., to W. and by N., and then suddenly burst. On its progress it threw out 15 or 20 bright balls, (seemingly the size of oranges) which took their course on either side of the meteor, and then disappeared. The meteor was visible for fully one minute, or one minute and a-half, and surpassed in brightness the most brilliant lightning I ever witnessed. I do not profess to be anything of an astronomer, and have therefore delayed reporting this circumstance till now, in the hope that some others might have seen it, and given a more intelligible description than mine is, but as no one has yet done so, I venture to trouble you with this, in the earnest hope, that, at least, one of your talented readers may be found, who will think it worth his while to enquire into this unusual appearance, and give many, to whom I have mentioned the case, an opportunity of profiting by his knowledge of astronomy. With apologies for this liberty, I remain, gentlemen, Your's faithfully, H. S. S. Sydney, August 12.
1848, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Sat 12 Aug 1848, Last evening a few minutes before six o'clock, the attention of a number of citizens became attracted towards a most remarkable electrical phenomenon, which appeared in the ' azure vault of heaven,' just before the close of day. ' T'was like a serpent in the sky,'of immense length, and in point of distinctness and radiancy, far surpassed any similar object within our recollection here or in England. It was difficult for the spectators of the mystic apparition to divest themselves of the idea of a feu d'artifice of some unusually bold projection, but the deep sound of 'heaven's artillery' in the direction of the phenomenon dispelled all human illusion and preluded the speedy disappearance of the an guineal form. An observant correspondent compared the meteor to Martin's celebrated representation of the opening of the Seventh Seal, in his Apocalyptic illustration.
1848, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW: Tue 19 Sep 1848, At thirty-four minutes past eight P.M. On the 4th instant, a meteor ot extraordinary brilliancy appeared to the southward at an altitude of 25 to 30 degrees, and descended with great rapidity until within about five degrees of the visible horizon, when it diappeared. The time may have been three to five seconds. The appearance was very similar to the planet Jupiter, but the size was apparently about two thirds the diameter of the moon ; the blaze of light was so great that the leaves of the trees were distinctly visible.
1850, The Goulburn Herald and County of Argyle Advertiser, NSW : Sat 14 Dec 1850, ASTRONOMICAL. — A meteor of remarkable brightness made its appearance in the heavens, N. N. E. of Goulburn, on Wednesday evening last. After shooting forth numberless sparks, it descended towards the earth and disappeared.
1851, Empire, From the Illustrated London, Sydney, NSW : Sat 25 Oct 1851, REMARKABLE METEOR. (News, June 28.) A luminous meteor of very beautiful appearance yyas seen from the London and Blackwall Extension Railway, on Sunday night last, 22nd instant, about eleven o'clock, between the Stepney and Bow Stations. ' The point of the heavens in which it was seen, judging from the position of Jupiter, would be W. by S., or in the direction of the centre of the city, over which it appeared to be at the height of half-a-mile. Tho first indication of the phenomenon was a development of a large ball of fire of exceedingly brilliant hue, this fell for a short distance, and then a stream of fire issued from the nucleus in an opposite direction to its course, forming a beautiful curve Tho instant tho train thus formed ' had reached its limit, the brilliant head disapeared. This train remained, however, us a bright lino of light in the sky for five or six minutes, and undulating with the effect of the very slight amount of wind which existed, formed a double curve not unlike the silver edge of a cloud, when illuminated by the moon's light, and gradually disappeared.. The night was remarkably clear and bright ; not a cloud was to be seen in the western horizon, and the stars shone very brilliantly. The phenomenon described must be attributed to the very rarified state of tho atmosphere during the previous 48 hours. Saturday having been exceedingly- hot and sultry, with scarcely a cloud in the'sky, whilst the morning of Sunday had been wet, brit still hot and oppressive, the remainder of the day- being dry and warra, y The-effect of the appearance described,, and us shown in tho illustration, was very striking. The darkniness of building, contrasting with the still lingering twilight; of the summer sky, and the bright light of the meteor as it shot downwards, rendered it a,t pn'co beautiful and interesting.
1855, The Age, Melbourne, Vic.: Fri 2 Mar 1855, Astronomical Phenomenon. — A very grand meteoric appearance was observed on Thursday night, by the passengers on board the steamer London, when abreast of Cape Howe. The meteor, which by its balloon shape an oblique transit, resembled the recorded visits of the most brilliant comets, appeared to start from the direction of the constellation Regulus (then bearing north by east), and receded in a south western direction, vanishing from sight at about 15 degrees from, the horizon. The phenomenon commenced at 20 minutes past 10, and lasted for about 10 seconds, during which time the sky was illuminated with more than meridian brightness.
1855, The Argus, Melbourne, Victoria: Mon 20 Aug 1855, METEOR AT BRIGHTON. A remarkable splendid meteor made its appearance this evening, about half-past eight o'clock, on the south-eastern part of the sky. For the short space during which it was visible, about three or four seconds, it illumined the country around as much us a very powerful rocket would do, and in falling it had a flaming appearance, with a deep yellow or reddish tinge in it. No doubt it must have been noticed in other parts of thecountry as well as here.
1855, Empire, Sydney, NSW : Thu 18 Oct 1855, METEORIC PHENOMENON.- Last night, at about twenty minutes to eight o'clock, the sky, notwithstanding the clear moonlight, was brilliantly illuminated for a few seconds by the passage of a large fireball through the atmosphere. It seemed to fall perpendicularly from the direction of the double star 11 and 12 Cireini-a constellation consisting of two stars that point towards the Southern Cross-which, at the time, was apparently crossing, or close upon the meridian of Sydney. The ball was of the shape of a pear, and fell with the sharp end down. The lower portion was of a bright yellow, and the upper of a bluish colour. Before disappearing it burst, and threw out a great many fragments, when it assumed for a short time the appearance of a newly exploded sky-rocket. There was no cloud near the spot where the meteor first appeared.
1855, The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria, Fri 23 Nov 1855, A METEOR. To the Editor of the Argus. Sir,—Not being very much acquainted with astronomy, but being very much surprised at an appearance in the sky last evening, I beg to state the same, trusting some abler pen will enlighten us on the subject. A globe of light of the most brilliant kind appeared, falling almost perpendicularly. After falling some distance in that manner, it left a tail of fire behind it. There was then an appearance of arrows of light shooting from both sides, and then the meteor vanished. The time of appearance was about a quarter of a minute, and the place almost due south. Now, Sir, I have seen similar appearances before,—say three times within the last twelve- months, but never, if an astronomical appearance, anything so beautifully brilliant. It had every appearance of a rocket, but, feeling convinced it was not, I think it best to ask advice of you. I am, Sir, &c.,W. G. HOUGHTON. Richmond, 21st November, 1855.
1855, The Argus, Melbourne, Victoria, Thu 27 Dec 1855, A METEOR. To the Editor of the Argus. Sir,-Having seen a meteor on Saturday evening last, I expected to find some account of it in the Argus of yesterday, but as there appears no remark about it, I will just, with your permission, write a word or two. At St. Kilda, near the French Consul's, on Saturday evening, about ten o'clock, whilst I was looking in an easterly direction, I noticed a light moving behind some clouds. “Why how rapidly the moon is moving,” thought I to myself, not troubling to consider whether it was the moon or no, when instantly it dashed into the clear sky, described a curve downwards, and disappeared. It appeared to go from N. to S., at least that was its direction. It seemed to have a tail as it passed, which might be caused by its quick passage through the air. I do not remember noticing that its tail was red, though others say so. Its brilliancy struck me most. It appeared smaller than the moon after it emerged from the clouds. I should think it only lasted a few seconds. It appeared very much more brilliant and larger than what are called shooting or falling stars. I am, Sir, yours respectfully, JOHN CAMPBELL. 23 Wellington-street, Christmas Day, 1855.
1856, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Sat 2 Aug 1856, METEORS. ON the evening of the seventh of December last, at about a quarter before five o'clock, while the sky was cloudless, and when twilight had commenced, a beautiful ball of fire, with a vivid tail of streaming vapour, was seen to descend and to give out occasionally dazzling showers of sparks. When the head disappeared, the tail, which had the aspect of an illuminated cloud, gradually twisted into the form of Hogarth's line of beauty, and thus continued in sight for twenty minutes. In this county, the fire-ball seemed to vanish out of sight when near thehorizon; but, at Havre, persons are said to have heard a loud explosion as it neared the earth. It was seenfar and wide ; it was a striking object at Rouen ; and Mr. Webster, of Neath, in South Wales, says it was the same there. Mr. R. J. Mann writes from Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, that it burstupon him like a flash of lightning; and a spectator at Great Grimsby, in Lincoln shire, declares that little boys there mistook it for the moon falling down. No doubt it was seen at more distant places than these, and must have been very high above the ground when first visible.It would appear, from a comparison of all observations, to have fallen far out at sea. One of its biographers linsestimated that it exploded at least fifty miles high in the air; and he has frightened the susceptible by assuring us that its weight was above fifty million tons. In periods and places lacking the light of knowledge, much alarm has been created by theso sudden appearances. One meteor, which fell with a great noise at the village of moorallah in the Sikh country long since, was immediately conveyed with much respect to the village, and a subscription forthwith commenced to build a temple over it in the devout considering it not inferior to a fresh incarnation of deity. The rajah, however, eyed it politically ; and, fearing that it meant evil to his dynasty, gladly listened to the request of a British officer, who begged it of his bigness ; who ordered it to be escorted by a guard of honour of Brahmins mid Sikh horse, but with express orders that it should not be brought near the pluoe of his residence. Another meteor which burst over a town in Malacca, so affected a Chinaman who was ill at the time, that he fell down in a fit and expired. In our straightforward times, we shall not bo inclined to look upon such phenomena as other than freaks of nature ; and few will be prepared to join the old lady who said, on hearing about the -meteor of December, that if wo marked her, we should hear of something serious abont the war. Something serious has been heard ; and the elderly prophetess will no doubt be tempted to say she “told us so,” since wo have heard what it is to be sincerely hoped is something seriously good. Many of these extraordinary bodies have been recorded, especially within the last few years but moro – have probably found their way to earth unseen. History speaks of a lump of meteoric iron which descended into the river at Narai, in the Papal States, in the year nine hundred and thirty-oné, before our era, as so large that it stood four feet above the level of the viator. Another at iEogos Potamas was said to have been equal in size to two largo millstones. Modern times _ have not seen such big things, though not less interesting. In Normandy, at midday, fifty years ago, it rained hot stones over a surface of twenty square miles; and some of the stones weighed twenty pounds. A little more than two years ago a magnificent meteor shone out over the north of England. It was, to look at, equal in size to the sun, and was pronounced to be a comet It fell towards the east bursting with a noise like thunder, scattering portions of its substance over Hanover. All the fragments of these aerolites are found to possess nearly a similar constitution, half, or more, metallic, that mostly iron or nickel, and the rest earthy. The “stony constituents predominate rarely; which leads to the ' unquestionable inference, that such masses as that found in ' a plain north-west of Buenos Ayres, supposed to weigh thirteen tons, and surrounded by nothing which would explain its presence or claim its affinity ; another discovered by a Russian traveller on a mountain of slate in Siberia, fourtee I hundred pounds in weight ; and many others in equally unaccountable positions, were once fiery meteors, finishing their wandering existence hy a rapid plunge into our earth. What are they before wc see thom, and where do' they come from ? Some-and learned men, too-haveïsupposed thom to come from volcanoes in the moon; others have suggested that these solid bodies are formed in the air, manufactured out of gas ; hut the” lapse of time and the 'learning of valuable experience has pointed out a source quite satisfactory; and, has lifted the curtain before a panorama of a most wonderful character. Who has_ not felt an interest in watching, on a clear night, the irregular flitting of those pretty stars which appear to be in search of a suitable lodgment in the sky ? ? Somo are faint, and their journey is short ; others tnke long sweeps and are bright, while a few become brilliant ns the planet Venus, and sometimes leave streaks of cloudy light behind them. Abundant evidence has proved that these shooting stars, Gliding tho night With sweeping glories and long trains of light, ore nono other than small bodies or lumps of stony substance j which, in floating about in vast space, happen to graze or fly through the earth's thin atmosphere, and become shining hot by reason of the resistance it offers to their violent motion. This effect is nothing extraordinary, as it is well known that tinder may be ignited hi a small tube, the air in which is suddenly compressed by means of a plunger j in- deed, so much heat may b'e raised in this way, that if a thirty-two pound shot could be driven through the air at the rate of ten miles per second-or one-third only of the travelling rate of most shooting stars-it “would quickly attain a temperature of one million degrees, or three hundred times the heat of boiling iron. There can be no difficulty, then, in believing that tho body of the shooting star must become intensely heated simply by its friction with the ntmosphere when rushing through at the rate of fifty-four thousand miles an hour. The'air itself is luminous when sufficiently compressed, and this fact may account for the faintly visible wake left by those meteors which penetrate into its lower and denser layers. A verv remarkable star of this latter class appeared over tile Shetland Isles not many years ago, with a splendour greater than that of the full moon, and pursued in its rapid way in full view as far as the overhead of Rome, wlsen it split into three parts, each foUowed by a tail. It ?was reckoned to pass fifty miles above the ground, and to fly some thirty miles in a second of time. Lastly, if the course of these shooting stars happens to bo more or less direct towards the surface of the earth, they cannot escape being drawn to it by the great law which keeps up the harmonious movements of the world ; and, when they thus visit us thcy_._reveal .to us their substance. Although this is alwayctj-solid, few accidents of a serious nature have attended the descent of aerolites : in nearly ¡¡¡»ree hundred recorded instances, only four persons are known to haï e been killed. A few years ago one was observed to burst nearly over the town of Hnupthraustadt, in Bohemia, and one portion dashed through the roof of a house in -which two little children were asleep, within a few feet of their bed, but did no worse than frighten them. When dug out, the- stone proved to be as large as an ordinary cannon shot. ' There is now no doubt of these meteorites being shooting stars ; but the question has not been settled, What arc shooting stars ? On the eonti-ary, the more wc inquire, the more the marvel increases ; the tale becomes intricate, and we aro fairly launched into a world of inquiry boundless and trackless. What shall we say to those flying masses of matter which we call shooting _ stars ? Science tells TIS unerringly, if they are independent of the earth they must be little planets themselves, performing a regular progress round the sun as we do, and invisible to us except when they venture new our atmosphere. Now, it is known that, although we are see- ing shooting stars at all times of the year, yet there are periods on the tenth of August and the thirteenth of November-when they aro abundant ; and, at the former, date especially, regular in their appearance. Watchers at Paris and other places on this night have counted, during one hour, as many ns one hundred and eighty-four such, appearances ; so many were seen in America, on the fourteenth of November, eighteen hundred and thirty-three, as to strike many persons with terror. People ran to their doors affrighted, crying that the world was on fire. The dis ?play must have been very grand; the shower of fire was bright enough to make small objects visiblo, and somo of the meteors assumed the brilliancy of fire- balls. Professor Plinstead says that this shower was witnessed from the North American lakes to the West Indies, und from Central Mexico to the Bemudos, and that the height above the earth was two thousand two hundred-nnd thirty-eight miles. In India, likewise, a similarly gorgeous display was witnessed four years From many such observations, there is a well-grounded belief among those who have studied the subject, that, on the tenth of August and thirteenth of November wo pass through ' an innumerable crowd or ring of these strange bodies; all, like our globe, obeying the same central authority, and travelling on a circle about as large as that of our earth, but crossing it at that port ?which corresponds to the above date. Were it not for I those beneficent laws by which all things ore kept in I boundB, there seems to be no reason why, at these times of the year, we should not be enveloped in such an awful shower of meteoric stones so as to make woe to the inhabitants of the earth. Guesses worthy of belief have been offered, that our planet is nearly nt the edge of at least one vast disc of these meteors ; that they increase in numbers towards the sun or cen I tre of tho disc, and that tho reflected light from the collective myriads, like motes in the sunbeam, causes the curious light sometimes seen immediately before or after sunset at spring-tide, stretching up from the direction of the sun high into the heavens in the shape of a cone or sugar-loaf. If such ideas are true, we must feel thankful that wo are not dwellers in Venus and Mercury, which must of courso be in tho very thick of the trouble. Will the reader nsk us still-what aro shooting Btnrs r We cannot tell ; wo see they ore made up of substances found at our feet;* but, as to how it comes to pass that innumerable hordes of shapeless stony masses-small and great-hurry pell-mell round tlie sun, engrossing a region nearly four hundred of millions of miles across, no man has yet ventured an opinion which is able to satisfy the judgment of man kuid.-Household Wards.
1856, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Sat 25 Oct 1856, Brilliant Meteor.— Those who have occasion to be much out of doors during the night must have been struck by the frequency with which meteoric phenomena have occurred of late. It is scarcely possible to be out long on a clear night without witnessing displays of this kind ; and occasionally a perfect fusilade of ' shooting stars' is kept up for a considerable time. A meteor of a surpassingly brilliant description was observed about 2 o'clock on Friday morning. Our informant, who was riding a few miles out of town, was suddenly startled by a burst of light which brought out into vivid distinctness every object around, whether remote or near. The light had a bluish hue, and his first impression was that it proceeded from one of those sudden blazes of lightning which are not uncommon in semi- tropical climates even in still weather. The unexpected illumination caused our informant's horse to spring aside violently, and his attention was naturally occupied for a few moments with the frightened animal. The permanence of the light, however, proving that it could not proceed from an electric flash, caused our informant to look in the direction from which it seemed to proceed, where he saw a globe of fire describing with steady motion an arc in the sky, and leaving behind it a distinct track of many-coloured flame, which remained visible for some time after the globe itself had disappeared. The movement of the meteor appeared to be in a south-easterly direction. The effect of this gorgeous apparition breaking thus suddenly upon the darkness of the night can be more easily conceived than described. The meteor was seen also by our shipping reporter, who was just then putting off to board the White Swan.
1856, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW : Sat 1 Nov 1856, A Brilliant Meteor.-On Wednesday evening last, between 8 and 9 o'clock p.m., a meteor of remarkable size and brilliancy passed across the sky to the eastward of Armidale, in a general direction from north to south. After describing an extensive curve, with occasional deviations, and leaving in its track a long luminous streak of light, the globule burst, and its fragments were scattered around in a dazzling flood of light. The phenomena were fortunately witnessed by a considerable number of the town residents who happened to be out of doors at the time. The most remarkable feature was that the track of the meteor was beautifully marked against the sky for some minutes after the globule had burst.
1857, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Mon 30 Mar 1857, But the great eclipse was not the only wondrous heavenly spectacle which occurred on Thursday. At twenty minutes past ten o'clock that evening, a very large and brilliant meteor appeared over the north-west quarter of the city. The clouds were intensely black when light like that struck from steel flashed twice behind and through these clouds and over a considerable space. Then there fell a broad band of light, perpendicularly, and from beheath it gleamed what appeared to be a mass of red fire, which dropped down, as if shaken out.
1857, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 4 Apr 1857, ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENON.-Thursday last was remarkable for natural phenomena-the solar eclipse in the morning, and about half-past ten o'clock in the evening one of the largest and most brilliant meteors we ever saw. Its direction was almost vertical-a circumstance somewhat unusual, the track which it described being at least at an angle of eighty-five degrees with the plane of the horizon. During its brief existence it completely illuminated the square in the middle of the town, over which it became extinct. The frequency of meteoric phenomena hasbeen a remarkable feature of the season.
ADDED REPORT: On the same night, at twenty minutes past ten o'clock, a very large and brilliant meteor appeared over the north-west quarter of this city. The clouds were intensely black, when light like that struck from steel, flashed twice behind and through the clouds and over considerable space. Then there fell a broad band of light, perpendicular, and from beneath it a mass of red fire, which dropped down as if shaken out. We have not before seen one so large in this hemisphere.
1857, Launceston Examiner, Tasmania: Thu 10 Sep 1857, METEOR.- On Tuesday evening, about twenty-three minutes after seven, a remarkable meteor is said to have been observed in the direction of east by south from the flagstaff. It illumined the sky for some seconds, and exploded like a sky-rocket; but its course was oblique towards the earth, not upwards. If any of our readers saw the phenomenon perhaps they might be able to give a better description of it. It is just possible an explanation like that shed by Pickwick's lanthorn may account for the appearance.
1858, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Mon 4 Jan 1858, BRILLIANT METEOR.— A remarkably brilliant meteor was observed in the neighbourhood of Woodside, about half-past 9 o'clock on Saturday night. It appeared in the eastern sky at a very considerable altitude, in fact very near the zenith, and on its first appearance suffused the whole atmosphere with a bright blue light. The meteor itself assumed the appearance of a large globe, of a beautiful violet hue, having a nucleus of intense and dazzling whiteness. It travelled solely across the sky, apparently from N.W. to S.E., gradually becoming fainter and fainter, and ultimately disappeared without any perceptible explosion or sudden extinction. The same meteor was also observed in the neighbourhood of Adelaide , but owing to the intervention of a bank of cloud the phenomenon was not so distinctly marked.
1858, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 28 Aug 1858, Three large meteors were observed in the course of the evening, notwithstanding the brightness of the moon. The largest was seen at 10h. 49m. 8s. ; it came from an altitude of nearly 80 deg., and moved towards the horizon almost in a vertical plane, passing throngh S.S.E. This splendid meteor gradually increased in magnitude while pursuing its course, until after a duration of four seconds, it burst at an altitude of 30 deg. with a flood of green light, sending sparks in every direction without any perceptible noise. After this only a faint streak of light was seen, which finally disappeared in the vicinity of Canopus but 15° from the horizon. I subjoin this report under the supposition that many persons, while engaged in looking
at the eclipse, may have seen this meteor, and shall feel grateful for any information respecting it being forwarded to the Observatory.
1858, Illawarra Mercury, Wollongong, NSW : Mon 18 Oct 1858, Meteor. — Last night a large and beautiful meteor was seen for about 20 minutes. It traversed the sky in a south westerly direction.
1858, Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, Victoria : Wed 17 Nov 1858, METEOR.-- A large meteor was observed in this town to flash across the sky from east to west, on Monday last. It was like a bright full of fire with a long streaming firey tail. It was in sight for several seconds. This is the month (November) that astronomers are on the look out for these phenomena; as it has been observed that a very large number annually make their appearance in the sky in this month.
1858, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Mon 22 Nov 1858, BRILLIANT METEOR.— A correspondent says :— ' A beautiful meteor was visible in the southern sky, on Saturday evening. I observed it as I was proceed- ing along South-terrace. It was of a globular form, of a bright orange and blue colour, and had a tail like that of a comet. After being visible for about half a minute, it burst, and sparks seemed to proceed from it. Altogether, it was the most brilliant I have ever seen."
1859, The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, NSW : Sat 19 Feb 1859, BRILLIANT METEOR.—A correspondent at the Rocky, writing on the 14th, gives an account of the transit of what seems to have been a meteor of uncommon brilliancy. On the evening of the 13th, about half an hour or three-quarters of an hour after sundown, he was looking at the planet Jupiter, when he saw darting along the sky with great rapidity a star of a blood-red colour ; as it passed along, it seemed to emit sparks which formed a tail of considerable length, and quickly disappeared. The luminous track was visible for 10 or 12 seconds.
1859, The Argus, Melbourne, Victoria: Tue 14 Jun 1859, One of the most brilliant meteors perhapsever witnessed in the colonies illumined the sky for several seconds last evening, about a quarter- past 7 o'clock. It appeared to flash into existence at a moment's notice, from some portion of space near the zenith, and shot with great rapidity down to the earth, in a north-easterly direction. Its light seemed to eclipse that of the moon, which was shining brightly at the time, and the opinion generally entertained by all who witnessed it was that it fell in the inner harbor somewhere. The ball of fire appeared to be about the size of a 68lb. shot, and was of an intensely brilliant, but faintly bluish color, leaving a long train of sparks behind it.
1859, The Star, Ballarat, Victoria: Wed 3 Aug 1859, The Daily News states that on Monday evening, between seven and eight o'clock, a beautiful meteor shot across the south eastern sky, leaving behind it a brilliant wake of sparkling light. It suddenly exploded, throwing out, with an effect similar to that produced by a rocket, jets of many colored fire on every side.
1859, The Age, Melbourne, Victoria : Tue 9 Aug 1859, From the 31st July to the 5th of August 68 meteors have been observed and registered, some of them of considerable magnitude. This number can not astonish us when we consider that we are approaching the period of showers of meteors, commonly called the showers of the Feast of St. Lawrence, which takes place between the 9th and 16th of this month.
1859, Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : Wed 19 Oct 1859, A METEOR.—On Sunday evening last a brilliant meteor was observed about seven o'clock, which lit up the sky for several seconds. It proceeded from the west in a horizontal inclination eastward, leaving a train of variegated sparks of unusual splendor.
1859, Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, NSW : Sat 29 Oct 1859, METEORIC APPEARANCE. — On Sunday evening last about half-past eight o'clock, a meteor of unusual size and brilliancy made its appearance in the southern heavens, and was observed by a large number of persons returning home from the various places of worship in this town. The meteor,which was of peculiar shape, and of pale blueish colour, similar to that emitted by rockets in their descent, was far less rapid in its transit than is usually the case, and afforded sufficient time to the observer to note its course with some degree of accuracy. It first made its appearance at an altitude of above 50 degrees above the horizon, and having descended rapidly for a distance of at least 30 degrees in a south-easterly direction, suddenly disappeared. Similar phenomena have, we are informed, been very frequent during the last fortnight, and possibly prognosticate some important atmospheric change.
1859, South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : Sat 17 Dec 1859, Brilliant Meteor. — An exceedingly beautiful meteor was observed to fall in the north-western sky, about half an hour after midnight on Thursday night, or rather on Friday morning. Attention was first called to the phenomenon by a blaze of rosy light which suddenly irradiated every object around the spectators, but rapidly passed away. On looking to that quarter of the heavens from whence the radiance emanated, a meteor closely resembling a rocket was visible, appearing to descend perpendicularly, and leaving behind and above it a long thin line of vivid white light. The meteor presented a glorious object to persons who were favourably situated for watching its transitory splendours; and in one instance within our knowledge a gentleman was aroused from sleep by the brilliance of the phenomenon.
The Earth in 1860 seemed to go through some kind of metoroic shower. Weaether cometry or asteroidal?
1860, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Tue 8 May 1860, Meteor. — A brilliant meteor was observed at Perth and Fremantle, on Sunday evening, 8th April, a few minutes after 8 o'clock in the evening. It appeared like an immense Roman candle, and in its flight left a splendid streak of red and blue light after it like a rocket, accompanied by a loud whizzing noise ; its passage across the sky was from east to west, and in bursting it appeared to separate into several pieces. A heavy report was heard four minutes afterward, and the concussion of the air shook the doors and windows of several houses. The lapse of time between the bursting of the meteor and the report being heard indicates the explosion took place about 60 miles out at sea. — Perth Gazette.
The following story happened in the USA 23 days later and reported in Australian newspapers.
1860, (STORY FROM THE USA) REPORTED IN THE: Empire (Sydney, NSW : Mon 6 Aug 1860, SHOWER OF METEORIC STONES. (From the Cincinnati Commercial ). New Concord, Musktngum co., O., May 5. EDS. Commercial.- On Tuesday last (May 1st), at 28 minutes past 12 o'clock M., a sharp report was heard in tho heavens, very similar to heavy cannonading, creating quite a visible shock, which was heard and felt many miles distant, and which some persons actually avowed was the sounding of the last trump. Immediately succecding these followed twenty-three distinct reports, following each other in quick succession, and which made those who heard stand aghast with fear. The sound then seemed to gradually die away into a heavy roaring like distant thunder; succeeding this again, some men who were at work in a field, heard a buzzing sound as of a body rapidly passing through the air, and giving their attention in the direction from whence the sound proceeded, they discovered à body descend, and strike the earth about one hundred yards distant, and, upon making search, found a hole in the ground, '. from which, after some labour, they extracted a stone weighing fifty-one pounds the stone was of a quadrangular shape, and resembling in appearance a river stone, the surface being somewhat blackened as though washed by the waves, and then bleached by the sun. The surface, though generally smooth, was irregular in some places, such as small crevices which might contain a pebble. Up or being broken the stone was found to be of s grayish cast, and somewhat gravelly ; being interspersed with particles of metal, and by being brought in contact with'some other solid substance it would ring like hell metal. Aftei satisfying their curios ty with this, immediate search was instituted for more, and guided by the sound, they had not proceeded more than 250 yards before they discovered an- other, which was buried 50 inches in the ground, having been obstructed by striking - a rail-fence, breaking one or-two rails. This stone was exactly similar to the first. It is evident from the glazed surface that they have not been severed from any other body. The " two stones ? above described, both alighted upon the farm of Jonas Amspoker, who lives three miles cast of Concord. Another was found to have fallen upon the farm of Mr, Law, one mile east of town. This is exactly similar, in every particular, to the others. A number ot others, weighing from two to forty pounds, have been found within a range of five or six miles. Fine specimens of these mysterious visitors are in safe keeping here now, and can be seen at any time by curious visitors. Yours, &c, J. R. BUCHANAN.
We add the following from the Columbus Statesman : We have received letters from the same region of country, which not only corroborate the statement, but add greatly to the singularity of the phenomenon. It appears that the noise alluded to was heard through a wide range of country, and that stones of the kind describee were found freshly imbedded in the earth in the same manner, miles apart. In Morgan, Muskingum, Coshocton, Morrow and Tuscarawas county, the explosion: was distinctly heard. Near McConnellsville several boys observed a huge stone descend to the earth, which they averred looked like a red ball, leaving a line of smoke in its wake. The phenomenon seems to be unprecedented these stones were found nearly fifty mile: apart, although the explosion was heard at all the places mentioned from the direction of Nev. Concord. Houses were shaken by the shock, and in one or two instances the doors burst open. - It occasioned a great deal of consterna tion in that section of the country, as well it might.' "
1860, The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : Tue 5 Jun 1860, A very splendid meteor was seen yesterday morning, at about 10 minutes past 6 o'clock, falling apparently almost perpendicularly from the heavens in a direction S.W. by W. from Melbourne. The moon was shining beautifully at the time in the western sky. The meteor was large and very bright, giving out a blueish light, which formed a long tail, which spread out some four or five inches in width. It fell very gently, and seemed to disappear in the bay, or the sea beyond.
1860, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Tue 21 Aug 1860, CURIOUS PHENOMENON.—About half-past six last Friday evening, the 3rd instant, an unusual appearance in the heavens, accompanied by an extraordinary noise, was seen in this part of the colony. Persons indoors heard an extraordinary rumbling noise, coming along the ground. It is variously described as being similar to the thunder heard on the stage, to a person repeatedly striking a sheet of iron, or to the noise made by a mob of horses. This noise lasted a few seconds, and during its continuance flames as if of fire were seen in the sky. The same appearances and noises were heard at the same time on the Murrumbidgee, on the Lachlan, and on the Murray. Some people are inclined to attribute these phenomena to electricity, whilst others suppose that an earthquake must have occurred some- where in the colonies, although it does not appear that any shock was noticed here.
1860, Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, Victoria: Wed 12 Sep 1860, METEOR —It is now approaching the month (November). which is remarkable, for the number of meteors observable therein. The Argus thus notices the appearance of one: last Thursday:— About a quarter past 11 last night a fine meteor was observed to fall from a point not far from the Magellan clouds, nearly due east, through an arc of about 30deg. The appearance of the meteor was that of a large yellowish ball of light. It fell rather slowly, leaving behind a track of light, and was visible for several seconds. Several other meteors were seen about the same time, in nearly the same quarter of the heavens. The sky was perfectly clear, with distant lightning visible.
THE FOLLOWING REPORT APPEARED IN NEW YORK PAPERS
1860, The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 3 Nov 1860, EXTRAORDINARY METEOR.-The New York papers contain diagrams and lengthy accounts of a very brilliant meteor which appeared on the
20th July. The Herald alludes to it as follows :- " At about a-quarter before 10 o'clock on Friday evening, the atmosphere being very sultry, and no perceptible motion in the air, a light cloud appeared in the west, from which a blue tinted luminous globe shot out, which at the firt glance suggested to the spectators the idea of an artificial firework. Instantly it lost its globular form, bursting, like an immense sky-rocket, into four portions. The first two are represented by one of our correspondents as resembling brilliantly illuminated chandeliers,with innumerable jets of purple flame; the others were globular and comparatively small, appearing rather as the tails of the first. They maintained their relative distance as they flew athwart the sky from west to east, occupying in
their flight something like a minute. Whether they vanished in air or fell on the land or sea we have not yet ascertained. About a minute after their passage, a detonation was heard, as from a piece of ordnance ; but whether it proceeded from the bursting of the meteor is a matter of conjecture. One very curious optical delusion which it gave rise to is worthy of remark. To the spectators it appeared to be no higher than from a quarter to half a mile, and to be almost directly over their heads ; and yet, when the fact is considered that it was witnessed under almost identical circumstances at Philadelphia, some 90 miles south-west of New York ; at New Haven, 80 miles east; at Barnegat, 40 miles south ; and at Newburg, on the Hudson, 60 miles north, it will be perceived that the idea of its insignificant elevation was most delusive. It must have been at an immense elevation to have been seen at these widely remote points, and to have presented at all of them the same appearance of being so nearly in the zenith. It is also to be remarked, in connexion with the meteor, that for the pievious two or three nights brilliant flashes of the aurora borealis have illumined the northern skies a most unusual display in the dog-days, and one which we only look for in the late fall and winter months. The aurora is generally supposed to indicate clear cold weather, but in this case it has been followed by an oppressively sultry state of tha atmosphere, thus contradicting our pieviously conceived notions. It is also very closely connected in point of time with the solar eclipse, which took place last Wednesday morning."
1860, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, SA : Wed 7 Nov 1860, RIVERTON. [From our Correspondent.] November 5. On Saturday night, about 11 o'clock, a most beautiful meteor appeared in the sky, which was visible for a longer period than usual, working its way towards the east, passing Pleiades, and then discharging itself with a greenish and bluish tail, very bright, and lasting a considerable time.
1860, Bendigo Advertiser, Vic. : Thu 8 Nov 1860, REMARKABLE METEOR—About half-past seven o'clock last evening, a remarkably fine meteor was observed in the northern sky. It appeared to descend almost perpendicularly, of a brilliant white light, and exploded. The fragments in sparks, continued falling slowly for some time. The appearance presented was something like that of a rocket in its descent.
1861, Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : Tue 5 Mar 1861, CURIOUS METEOR. (To the Editor of the Bendigo Advertiser.) Sir,—About ten o'clock a m. to-day, a meteor was seen from the Big Hill, passing south west, resembling a shooting star, or as more correctly described by an old Scots Grey soldier, a rocket, the apparent length of the tail being about 20 yards. The sun was bright, and the sky free from clouds at the time. Shortly afterwards the wind, which had been from the north, changed to the west, accompanied with dust and a smell of burning. I need not say this latter circumstance contributed not a little to the feeling of alarm that something final, as a judgement, was to happen on the earth. K. K. 4th March, 2861.
SAME EVENT: MONDAY, MARCH 4. One of the most extraordinary meteors, or fireballs, over witnessed was seen here this morning, about 10 o'clock, in the full glare of a bright and rather intense sunlight. About that hour a tolerably large cloud hung over the country to the south-west of the town ; and a large open space of blue sky extended towards the north-west, where another bank of heavy clouds was just tipping the hills. The sun was shining brightly, when all at once an excessively brilliant object suddenly emerged from behind the large cloud first noticed above, and seemed to fall towards the Barrabool Hills at an angle of about 45 degrees, going from south-west to north-west. It appeared rather slow in its progress, and seemed to enter the cloud just rising above the horizon. It is variously described by the different persons who witnessed it, but generally it is said to have resembled the head of an ordinary rocket in shape, to have appeared about 8 feet in length and about 18 inches in diameter, to have exhibited the most intense white light (described as equal to a piece of iron at welding heat), and to have been characterized by a singularly short and vividly marked outline on its upper side and point. No noise of any kind accompanied this singular phenomenon, but its extraordinary appearance at such a time, and the brilliancy and suddenness of its appearance, caused no small amount of consternation. It was the most singular meteor I ever heard of, and has been seen by a great number of persons.
1861, Geelong Advertiser, Vic. : Tue 5 Mar 1861, A large mass of meteoric iron has been discovered lately on the surface of the soil about thirty miles from Melbourne, by a Mr Rupprecht, of Queen-street, who brought it into town. The Herald, in reference to it, makes the following remarks :—" Meteoric iron, as it is called, is easily distin- guished from terrestrial iron both by its
structure and composition, as it not oniy in variably contains a greater or less proportion of nickel, which never occurs in the ores of iron, but the metal itself is usually found in the form of a network enclosing crystals of a substance in appearance resembling peridot, but which is soluble in acids. Meteoric iron is also always discovered on the surface, with a sort of black silicious varnish, which
effectually protects the exterior from the rusting action of the atmosphere, although' when this is removed the metal is as easily oxidised as common iron. About twenty different masses, supposed to be of meteoric origin, bavo been enumerated as existing in various parts of the world; among tbo most remarkable of these is that discovered by Don Rubin dc Celis. in the district of Cliaco Gualainbn, in South America. This weighs 30,000 lb, that of Dibogen, in Bohemia, which weighed 120lb; and that of Agrain, in Croatia, which fell from the sky in 1700 in the presence of many witnesses. The mass discovered by Mr Rupprecht is not less remarkable than these, as it cauuot weigh less than 3000lb."
THE FOLLOWING I NAMED THE GREAT MOUNT HOLLOWBACK BOLIDE.
1861, The Tarrangower Times and Maldon District Advertiser (Vic. : Tue 5 Mar 1861, Metorological Phenomonen.—Yesterday morning at about 9 o'clock am. a peculiar, and gorgeous phenomenon was viable ic the heavens in the shape of a Meteor of great brilliancy. ~ It was witnessed by.a number of people who describe it as a ball of fire, with a tail like a kite, which snddraidly appeared near the horizon to the south, slowiy ascended, and fell in the north west, the time oocupied in its transit being about So, seconds., "The sun" was shining brightly at the time, yet the color of fire showed out with grand lustre, and for two minutes affair its track was -visible in the sky. To the eye it appeared about 12 feet in length.
Same Event: METEORIC PHENOMENA. We yesterday published a telegram, giving an account of a large and extraordinary meteor, which was seen on that day, and which was supposed to have fallen to the earth somewhere in that district. It appears, however, that either it or a similar one fell near Mount Hollowback, between Creswick and Ballaarat. The following account is from the Ballaarat Star; — ' Some excitement was created yesterday by the fall of ameteor ot considerable size, which was seen by several persons both on Ballaarat and in the neighborhood. The accounts we received were contradictory, and would lead us to suppose that more than one meteor must have fallen, as our informants reside in places at a distance of some twenty miles from each other-, and they appear all to have thought that the luminous body was close to the place in which each was standing. We subjoin the accounts as we have received them, premising that the Statement as to the spot in which the meteor fell appears to be authentic. There is a general agreement that the meteor was seen between half-past nine and ten o'clock in me morning, and it is described as having the shape of a ginger-beer bottle, and as having been seen by persons on Ballaarat to the north or north-west ofthe town, descending with great velocity at an angle ofabout 45 degrees. After pursuing this course for-some time it changed the direction of its flight, and descended perpendicularly until it alightedin a'field within a mile-of Mr Sim's farm,at Mount Hollowback, and about a mile and a half from the Half Way House, on tho Creswick road, where it exploded with a loud noise, and made a hole in the ground extending for about twelve yards. A person named George Carter was close by at the time, and observed the meteor about to fall near him, and had to run for his life. He had scarcely ran twenty yards when it reached the ground, as he describes it, like a huge-ball of fire, and exploded with a loud noise, enveloping him in smoke that deprived him of breath. From fright or some other cause he fell on-.the ground and received a severe cut on the cap of one of his knees, which he showed 'to our reporter yesterday. The air where the meteor fell had a strong sulphurous smell. -Two horses- that were attached to a wagon quite close to where it fell ran away at-a fearful pace, and did considerable damage before they were stopped. Several persons in various parts of the country and in Ballaarat also, observed the meteor. A person named Monaghan who was coming into Ballaarat with a load of produce states that when at Mr Waldie's home station, about nineteen minutes to ten o'clock, he observed the meteor take a northerly course. It then appeared like a ball of fire, and he concluded that it was the sun that was about to visit this terrestrial ball of ours. He watched it for some moments until he saw it descend in the direction indicated by Carter. Mr St Quentin informs us that on coming up the Main road abo&t nine o'clock he observed a large meteor traversing the air in an oblique direction towards the west, and fall somewhere in the 'direction of Sebastopol. Our correspondent at Lucky Woman's -writes to say that he had just leceived the following from -a resident at Linton : — ' A most extraordinary phenomenon was witnessed this morning in Linton. A huge meteoric body, about as large as a waggon, as one of the 'bystanders expressed it, was observed by several persons in the vicinity of the Kobert Burns Hotel, to come rolling through the atmosphere from the direction of Lucky Woman's and descended in 'he bush behind Page's shaft. The morning had been lowering, but the sun was shining brightly at the time, and the sight of the meteor caused consider able consternation in the locality.' Several other persons inform us that they also saw a meteor like the one described by our correspondent, and in the same direction, and they state that in appearance it resembled a hay stack, but we presume all allowances must be made for the excitement occasioned by this novel appearance. We learn by telegram, that a meteor was also seen at Ararat and Maryborough. The meteor appears also to have been observed at Bendigo, as the following letter has been sent to the Advertiser, by one of the spectators : ' Sir, — About ten o'clock a.m. to-day, a meteor was seen from the Big Hill, passirig south west, resembling a Bhooting star, or as more correctly described by an old Scots Grey soldier, a rocket, the apparent length of the tail being about 20nyards. The sun wag bright, and the sky free from clouds at the time. Shortly afterwards the wind, which had been from the north, changed to the west, accompanied with ijust and a smell of burning. I need not say this latter circum stance contributed not a little to the feeling of alarm that something final, as a judgment, was to happen on the earth. — K. K. 4th March, 1861.' The Mount Alexander Mail gives another ac count of a meteor which is said to have fallen in the vicinity of Guildford. That journal says — A number of people, writes a correspondent, in the neighborhood of Guildford, were startled yesterday about noon, by the appearance of a strange phenomenon, which appeared to come from a thin white cloud in the shape of a ball of fire, about the size of a large melon. After falling to the earth about the middle of the hill near Aberdeen's dwelling, it traversed in a straight direction to the extremity, emitting a long tail of white smoke along the whole distance. It is the more remarkable, as there was no sign of electricity in the atmosphere, and it was seen for a space of eight or ten minutes without intermission. The same meteor was seen at Tarrengower and other places.'
The meteor which was seen on Ballarat on Monday appears to have been visible over a large extent of country. The Argus of Tuesday says-In the course of yesterday afternoon, the following telegram was received at the flagstaff Observatory:-"Ararat, 4th March, 1861.-At 9.40 this morning a large meteor was seen pasting over Ararat. A person who saw it from a few miles north of this, says it appeared to be approaching the earth at an angle of 45 deg., leaving a long bright streak, which was visible for some seconds, the sun shining very brightly at the time. The same person says it ap- peared to him as if it would fall a few miles to the west of Ararat. I have since heard that some men working about four miles west heard something falling at that time, but unfortunately did not go to see what it was. R. B. HODGSON, Manager E.T." The same meteor was seen at Creswick, Clunes, Back Creek, Maryborough, Carisbrook, &c., and had about twice the apparent size of the sun, when seen at the above-mentioned stations. Inquiries will be made at Ararat, and the locality pointed out above will be properly searched, so that we may be successful, perhaps, in finding this interesting stranger. Our Geeloug correspondent mentions this meteor having been seen in that locality. The Geelong correspondent of the Argus writing on Monday gives the following description of the phenomenon :-" One of the most extraordinary meteors, or fire balls, ever witnessed was seen here this morning, about 10 o'clock, in the full glare of a bright and rather intense sunlight. About that hour a tolerably large cloud hung over the country to the south-west of the town ; and a large open space of blue sky extended towards the north-west, where another bank of heavy clouds was just tipping the hills. The sun was shining brightly, when all at once an excessively brilliant object suddenly emerged from behind the large cloud first noticed above, and seemed to fall towards the Barrabool Hills at an angle of about 45 degrees, going from south-west to north-west. It appeared rather slow in its progress, and seemed to enter the cloud just rising above the horizon. It is variously described by the different persons who wit- nessed it, but generally it is said to have resembled the head of an ordinary rocket in shape, to have appeared about 8 feet in length and about 18 inches in diameter, to have exhibited the most intense white light (described as equal to a piece of iron at welding heat), and to have been characterised by a singularly short and vividly marked outline on its upper side and point No noise of any kind accompanied this singular phenomenon, but its extraordinary appearance at such a time, and the brilliancy and suddenness of its appearance, caused no small amount of consternation. It was the most singular meteor I ever heard of, and has been seen by a great number of persons. The Creswick Advertiser, after describing the appearance of the meteor says-" Mr J. Stevenson (district mining surveyor) and Mr G. L. Hutchinson (clerk of petty sessions) who were journeying across the Clunes plains, had a favorable opportunity of observing the celestial visitor. To them it appeared to descend towards Mount Beckworth. To the observers at Spring Hill it appeared bent upon destroying Creswick ; while those at Union Hill who saw it imagined that the corn stacks in the neighborhood of Mount Hollowback were in danger from the incandescent mass. It was also seen from various parts of our township,and all observers concur in remarking that if the meteor produced such a brilliant effect in bright sunshine how magnificent would have been its appearance upon a dark night. We learn from our Mountain Creek correspondent that the meteor caused considerable consternation in that locality.
THE LATE METEOR. To the Editor of the Geelong Advertiser. Sir,—Having seen in your issue of Tuesday, a slight notice of a meteor having been observed in town the day previous, a few additional notes also by an eye-witness fifty miles distant may not be uninteresting. At about 9.30 a.m. being where I had an uninterrupted view of the heavens, I first observed, at a considerable altitude, what had the appearance of a large rocket descending slowly towards the north-west, leaving a train of smoky- looking vapor behind it. After a few seconds the head appeared to give out an intensely brilliant flame of the richest golden color, the general outline having the appearance of a wedge in South about 2 degrees, the broad part being in advance. After being visible for about fifteen seconds it disappeared a short distance above the western horizon, having passed through an apparent space of thirty or thirty-five degrees. For a short time after its disappearance there remained in its tract a well defined white streak of vapour which gradually melted away and finally became invisible in about fifteen minutes. The sky at the time was perfectly cloudless, a number of thundry looking clouds having passed over in a southerly direction an hour or two previous. Had the meteor appeared at night instead of during the day, its appearance must have been truly magnificent. Observer. Warly Yaloak, 6th March. To the Editor of the Geelong Advertiser. Sir,—I see mention made in your issue of to- day of the very remarkable meteoric phenomenon which was observed here yesterday morning ; permit me to forward the following particulars of its appearance here, in the hope that they may interest many of your readers, and assist at the same time in determining the true nature of the phenomenon. About 10 a.m. there issued from a white cloud situated between the zenith and the South Pole, a large bolis, or fire-ball of a fiery red appearance and in apparent magnitude about one- fourth of the moon's disc. Unlike the ordi nary meteors it pursued its course quite slowly, leaving behind it a narrow streak of white smoke, which gradually widened into a belt of small detached clouds, and con- tinued for about 20 minutes to mark with great distinctness the path of the aerolite. The point of departure was about 45 deg. due S—the course S-E to N.W, and the arc described fully 60 deg. Its descent was unattended by any sound,explosion, or scintillation, and the cloud from which it issued was not black as has been observed on many similar instances, but white. Its brilliant appearance in the midst of sunshine, its unusual magnitude, the measured slowness of its progress, and the singular belt of cloud that marked its track, combined to inspire the be- holder with awe, and in tome instances with a belief that the dies novissima had arrived. —Your's truly, William Matthew. National School, Colac, March 6, 1861.
METEORIC PHENOMENA. The following report by Professor Neumayer relative to the late meteor was laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly lust evening : — l.The most reliable information with regard to the time of the appearance ot the phenomenon was given by Mr Ellis, station master at Tarran gower. He saw it crossing the sky at 9.38 a.m., Williumstown m.t., on the above day. 2. Other time observations agreed verv well. considering that many persons who Baw it are not in the habit of observing and having their watches properly adjusted. 3. It was been in the following localities : — Geelong. Ballaarat, Lintun's, Creswick, Mr Sim's farm, near Hollowback, Clunes, Guild ford, Amherst, Maryborough, Maldon, Sandhurst, and Ararat. 4. From this and the local reports we may conclude that its general direction of motion was from S. 55 deg. E. to N.51 deg. W. 5. It first appeared in the south west when observed 'in Geelong; then it seems to have reached the earth in a place some five n.iles toward the north of Ballaarat, and also in a locality some four miles towards the west of Ararat. These facts would lead us to believe that it changed its course after having ceen reflected by the ground near Mount Hollowback, which place seems to have boon marked by a deep furrow of 12 yards. This would correspond well with the direction of motion given by the various observers. Previous to reaching Mount Hollowback, it is reported to
have moved from S.E. to N.W., while past that locality observers in Ararat and Ballaaaat state
that it moved from E. to W., E.S.E. to W.N.W. 6. The shape of the meteor appears to have been like a cone, the base being foremost. 7 The light was very intense, resembling that of melted iron. 8. Noise was heard at Mount Hollowback, and also four miles W. of Ararat. In both cases it was observed that the meteor came to the ground. 9. At Mount Hollowback a sulphuric smell was observed. 10. It left behind it a trace of light resembling the tail of a comet. 11. It was a great pity that the sky was all overcast at Melbourne at the time of its occurrence. We might otherwise been able to determine its course more accurately. 12. There was no disturbance observed in the magnetic elements at the time. The fctatc of the weather was very peculiar, it being extremely oppressive during the preceding days, and although the sky was overcast at the moment of the occurrence, the temperature was 83 degree*, and only a draught of air was perceptible from the N.N.W. The lowest reading of the barometer since the 19th of February, was on the day of the occurrence, at 3 p.m., viz, 29.466. 13. All possible means have been taken further to investigate the nature o/ this meteor. Telegrams were sent to different gentlemen in Ballaarat and Ararat to search the localities where it seems to have descended, namely, near Mr Sim's farm, Mount Hollowbick, and between Mount Ararat and the ranges,extending from Mount Chalambre to the OneTree Hill. 14. Should any more reliable information be sent to tho Observatory, I intend to proceed my self to the spot and examine the locality, and procure fragments of the meteor. (Signed) NEUMAYER, Director of the Magnetic Survey.General Observatory, 7th March, 1861.
THE METEOR OF THE FOURTH OF MARCH, 1861. The various reports on this phenomenon; as
published in the papers shortly after the occurance, having been so very indistinct and even contradictory, made it impossible to arrive at well-defined conclusions as to the nature of the phenomenon, and the results of further investi- gations had to be waited for to bring the whole of the collected evidence more in accord. Of these results a summary had been laid before the public, but a careful examination of the different facts has shown how little reliance can be placed on the statements of persons unaccustomed to observing, and perhaps excited by the novelty of the appearance which they were to describe. To this we may attribute the fact that some people compared the body of this meteor to a haystack, woolpack, waggon, &c., also the illusion that the meteor was thought to have fallen to the ground in nine or ten different localities ; for, after the most minute search and examination, nothing could be found indicating such an occurrence. To select one out of these localities, I may mention the furrow, 12 yards long, near Mount Hollowback, as de- scribed by George Carter, alias Brummy. Three scientific gentlemen were immediately requested to make that spot an object of their particular attention, among these I only mention Mr. Rosales, well known through his prize essay on gold. These gentlemen acted independently of each other, and arrived at the same result, viz., that neither a furrow nor a fragment could be found. Through the kindness of a great number of ladies and gentlemen from all parts of the colony, I have been put in possession of very valuable information; and although no actual measurements were taken at the time of the occurrence, the material thus collected admits of discussion, leading to some more definite result, which I may be permitted to give in the following paragraphs. 1. The number of localities from which reports on the meteor have been received is 26 ; they are situated between the parallels of 35deg. and 38deg. 30min. southern latitude; and between the meridians of 143deg. and 145deg. east longitude. Nine of these stations are to the north of the dividing range, fourteen to the south, and three on or near the same. 2. After a careful discussion of the single observations as to the time of the occurrence, the same was found to be 9h. 38min. 30sec. a.m. Melbourne mean time, therefore in broad daylight, the sun, in most of the localities, shining brightly, and but few and light clouds being in the sky. 3. The various descriptions of the places in the sky where the meteor was first seen and where it disappeared leads to the conclusion that the point of appearance was in declination 77deg. S., and right ascension 0h. 24m. ; and the point of disappearance in declination 8deg. N., and right ascension 15h 12m.-i.e., it came from a point between B. Hydrus and Nebulac minor, terminating at a point near L. Serpens. 4. The fireball darted from a fleecy-looking white cloud, and would in this respect resemble the fireball which fell in Barbotan on the 24th of July, 1790. Only one observer, Mr. Leech, at Mount Elephant, states the fact that his attention was first drawn to the meteor by a report like distant thunder. 5. It travelled rather slowly across the sky to a point W. 15deg. N. of the horizon, giving time to observers to consider and note what they saw. During its course smoke or vapour was con- tinually emanating from the body, forming into a narrow column of a fleecy vaporous appearance. This column appeared in the northernmost loca- lities like the tail of a comet, tapering towards the end ; while in the southernmost places, the opaque nature of it could be discerned, and even the parting into little cumuli clouds could be seen. 6. The meteor exploded before reaching the horizon, except in those localities where terrestrial objects interfered, as in one case, where " it was getting like the sun behind the Grampions."Previous to exploding, it seems to have slightly expanded, and to have taken nearly a horizontal position. The altitude above the horizon (3deg. to 4deg.), in which it was seen at the western- most stations at the time of its explosion, proves that fragments could not have reached the ground within the colony of Victoria. 7. The duration of the phenomenon, from the first appearance of the fireball in the S.E. Until its disappearance, was between eight and twelve seconds ; but the column of smoke remained in the sky for fully 15 or 20 minutes after the meteor had disappeared. This reminds one of the phenomenon accompanying the fall of a great shooting-star observed during the night of the 9th of June, 1822, near Baynere de Luchon, when 85 miles towards the north of Poitiers, a large aerolite fell. 8. The shape of the meteor was compared to a skittle, a cone, a gingerbeer bottle, &c., the base being foremost. However, it seems to have been more or less of a spheroidical shape, the greater axis being in a ratio to the minor one of 4 to 1. 9. Its apparent magnitude is given very differently by the different observers-some comparing it to the sun, others only to ¼ of the moon's apparent disc, which may arise probably from the spheroidical form of the meteor, and the relative positions in its course. The apparent length of the column of vapour smoke was 16deg. to 17deg., according to measurement of Mr. Scott, in Camperdown. 10. The colour of the nucleus was reddish white, very intense, and of a molten appearance. With regard to the column of smoke, the following interesting optical phenomenon was observed by Mr. Wilkinson, at Back Creek. He says :-" After its (the meteor's) entire disappearance, its track was distinctly marked by a beautiful luminous appearance, at first of a blue colour, then, as it gradually dissipated, becoming white and very luminous towards the upper line, the lower part only retaining its blue appearance." This was corroborated by other observers in the west of the colony. 11. On the morning of the 4th the weather was very sultry and oppressive throughout the colony ; but in most of the localities the sky was clear and admitted of the phenomenon being well seen, with the exception of Melbourne, where at the time of its occurrence a heavy shower of rain passed and heavy clouds covered the sky, so that only in a few places in or near town the phenomenon could be witnessed. It was not seen at the Observatory, but the following remarks on the weather may prove interesting :- At the time of the occurrence no disturbances in the magnetic elements could be observed. The state of the weather was very peculiar, it being exceedingly oppressive during the preceding days, and although the sky was overcast at the moment of the occurrence, the temperature was 83deg., and only a slight draught of air was perceptible from N.N.W. The lowest reading of the barometer since the 19th of February was on the day of the occurrence, at 3 p.m., viz., 29.466in.b(120ft. above the sea.) On the evening of the 5th March, two very bright meteors were seen at Brisbane, while at the Flagstaff Observatory no shooting stars were registered ; and, in conclusion, it may be stated that the month of March is not very prominently represented in the register of meteors at this Observatory, which is clearly illustrated by the fact, that an average of only from 1 to 2 shooting stars during an hour has been observed, this being a mean value for the month of March during the last four year, while the average value for the same four years amounts to three meteors during an hour. GEORGE NEUMAYER. Flagstaff Observatory, March 24.
(Note: In these months a comet had appeared, and there are numerous accounts of the object.)
1861, The Moreton Bay Courier, Brisbane, Qld. : Sat 9 Mar 1861, METEORS.- We have been favored with the following observations upon the meteoric appearances of Tuesday evening last, made by F. Byerley, Esq, late of the Melbourne Observatory :-" An extraordinarily brilliant meteor traversed the sky at about 9.20 p.m., (Brisbane time), intensely blue and red in appearance. Its path was in the south, making an angle of about 40 degrees with the meridian, describing about 25 deg. of arc, and disappearing in a vivid flame, immediately under the pointers of the Southern Cross (a and b Centauri) at about 15 deg. from the horizon. About six minutes later another, but less brilliant, meteor was ob- served making nearly the same angle, traversing about 15 deg. of arc, and disappearing to the eastward of Orion, in about the same plane as Aldebaran in the Hyades."
1861, The Darling Downs Gazette and General Advertiser, Toowoomba, Qld. : Thu 14 Mar 1861, BRISBANE. (From our own Correspondent. ) Among the arrivals and departures of the past week were two most unusual visitiors, in the shape of meteors of a bright blue color and of great brilliancy, which were perceived in the southern heavens on Tuesday last, the first at 20 minutes past 9 p.m., and the latter, which was of smaller size, about half an hour later. As may be supposed their stay was but of short duration : they came like shadows (or rather rockets) and so departed. The effect, though momentary, was how- ever magnificent in the extreme, the whole sky being lit up with a bright and splendid hue. The larger of the two luminous bodies, after describing an arch extending from the south-east to the north-west, burst before it reached the horizon. Various were the sensations produoed by such an unusual appearance aloft.
1861, The Age, Melbourne, Vic. : Wed 17 Apr 1861, ANOTHER METEOR. TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE AGE. Sir, — A somewhat remarkable phenomenon occurred this evening, at about twenty minutes ! to eight o'clock. I was walking along Nicholson street, from the Quarries to Fitzroy, when
I was suddenly startled by a flash of light behind. The day had been very stonny, and I thought it was lightning; but on turning round to look, I was surprised to see a falling star burst like a rocket into different colors — red, white, &c. It pursued a straight line from about north to east, and about 40 degrees above the horizon. I watched it until it was extinguished — in about ten seconds after the time it burst. The portion of the sky in winch it appeared was cohered with dense black clouds. Trusting that Professor Neumayer may be able to furnish more information about thisoccurrence than he was able to do about tho late meteor, I am, yours, &c, METEOR. Melbourne, 16th April, 1861.
1861, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. : Wed 17 Apr 1861, METEORIC PHENOMENON.—Last evening, about 8 o'clock, a brilliant meteor was observed in the heavens, about 45deg. above the margin, and situate about S.S.W. It descended very rapidly, going out of sight in about five minutes. Occasionally it was very bright, with a red tinge, and also large, and again fading away, contracting and then expanding, and becoming bright again. At one time it was so large that it seemed like an illuminated window in the sky.—Sandhurst Bee, April 16.
1861, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Fri 27 Sep 1861, LARGE METEOR.-On Sunday night, about half past nine, a splendid meteor was observed in the western sky. It presented the appearance of a bright yellow flame, of a circular shape, with a sharp longation behind. It fell in nearly a vertical direction for about thirty degrees, midway between the zenith and horizon, and then divided and immediately want outThe light of the moon, which was about an hour high at this time, was materially added to during the passage of the meteor.-Maitland Mercury
1862, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, SA : Wed 29 Jan 1862, Sir—On Tuesday morning, about half-past 11, as I was standing in King William-street, outside Aldridge's Shades, I saw something in the sky which had all the appearance of a brilliant meteor. It was only visible to my sight for about two seconds, when it disappeared behind the buildings on the opposite side of the street. It was not unlike a rocket, and I therefore made enquiry through the town as to whether any one had been letting off fireworks of any kind, but I could not ascertain that this was the case, nor could I meet with any one who had seen the meteor, or whatever it was. As meteors are very rarely seen in the daytime, I shall be glad if this letter elicits an explanation of the phenomenon referred to from any one who may be able to inform your readers respecting its true nature. I am, Sir, &c., OBSERVER
1862, The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : Thu 3 Apr 1862, A brilliant meteor is said to have crossed the sky at Ararat, in a westerly direction, on Sunday night about ten o'clock, illuminating everything for the instant most distinctly. During its transit it presonted tho not very unusual appearance of becoming detached from the tail and bursting into innumerable brilliant particles.
1862, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. : Tue 8 Apr 1862, Falling Stars. -M. Coulvior-Gravior has communicated to the French Academy of Science the results of his observation on the appearance of meteors on the night previous to and following the nights of November 12 and 13. The maximum of October occurred between the 12th and 20th. It fell then to a minimum, which endured till a few days before November 12,13. In effect, taking the mean of the observations, it is found that the number of falling stars observed in an hour at midnight in a clear sky has been 99. In November, 1860, the mean horary number of November 10, 11, and 12 was 102 stars. In this state of things, M. Co vvier-Gravier regrets that he cannot as yet announce that the phenomena have retaken their attendant march. However, the epoch fixed by others of the great appearance of 1709 to 1836 is near, for six years only separate us from 1807, And when it is known that several years before 1833 These appearances presented an annual in crease, moleorologists''aro greatly surprised at observing (the number remain stationary.- Late. trated London New.
1862, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Wed 9 Jul 1862, On Wednesday evening, June 18, at 6h. 22m., I was returning along Currie street to the Observatory, when I suddenly saw a rather strong shadow of myself projected on the wall of a building (I was on the north side of the road), and immediately after observed a brilliant meteor a little to the east, and about the same altitude as Beta Hydri, from which star its course was westerly, passing near to Gamma Hydri, the Nubecula Major, and finally exploding, without noise, near to, or a little above and to the west of Beta Doradus. In brightness I considered that it greatly exceeded Venus at her greatest brilliancy, casting a well-defined shadow, and lighting up the whole of thesouthern sky. It was of a bright yellow colour, with an elongated conical-shaped flaming tail, red and rugged at its edges and tip, with a slight waving motion, and occasionally leaving a small detached flame behind. I estimated the diameter of the ball to be about three minutes, or one-tenth of the diameter of the moon, and the tail— including the diameter of the ball— to be about one degree, or rather more perhaps. The sight, as it slowly and gracefully glided across the sky, was beautiful in the extreme, evoking an involuntary shout of wonder and delight. Should any of your readers have seen the meteor I should esteem it a great favour if they would furnish me with any particulars they may have noted, particularly of the bearings and altitude of its path. I am, Sir, &c., CHARLES TODD. Observatory, Adelaide, July 8, 1862.
1862, Empire, Sydney, NSW : Mon 4 Aug 1862, Yesterday morning, at three o'clock, a very brilliant meteor passed very swiftly along the sky from east to west, and then exploded with a most tremendous noise, like a very heavy clap of thunder ; it was so bright as to be able to see any object in a closed room as in broad daylight. Many persons thought it was really thunder and lightning. The postmaster, we are informed, who happened to be getting up at the time it occurred, was enabled, through the brightness of the meteor, to find
1862, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Beechworth, Vic. : Sat 16 Aug 1862, A METEOR.--Another meteor, of a bluish color, fell on Sunday, at the Happy Valley Creek, near the shaft of the Cleft in the Rock Company. The sky was unusually bright at the time. Grenville Advocate. About a quarter-past three o'clock on Tuesday morning, as Constable Allen was going round on his beat, his eye was attracted by an unusual .effulgence, and on looking up he saw an exceedingly large and brilliant meteor in the northern sky. For a considerable space of time it retained its globular form, travelling horizontally towards the south, and shedding a lustrous glow on the dark forests of Buninyong ; but eventually it assumed the appearance of a fiery dragon, and finally becoming stationary, it melted away in bright blue vapor, the smoky trail remaining visible many minutes after the dissolution. — Grenvil'.e Advocate, 21st August.
1862, Bendigo Advertiser, Vic. : Mon 29 Sep 1862, A Meteor.—At a quarter-past ten o'clock last evening, a magnificent meteor shot across the sky. Starting from a point near south, about 40 de- grees above the horizon, it fell at an angle of about 20 degrees, and finally disappeared at a point nearly south-east. At first it was but a small speck of light and sped along at immense velocity, the head gradually increasing in size, and changing in color from a dull red to an intense white focus, with a bluish halo, and a tail about 10 degrees in length, of a reddish orange tint, and divided into two parts from the focus of light to near the end of the tail by the breadth of space through which the meteor had passed. Bits of the meteor were breaking off as it attained its greatest brilliancy, its speed also decreased considerably. From its brightest appearance till it disappeared it was as large as two full moons of an oval shape, its color changed to a delicate blue and then it went out. About ten seconds would be the time it appeared in view.
1862, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW : Tue 7 Oct 1862, A very large and bright meteor darted across the sky from east to west, on Saturday evening last, just after sundown. Although the shade of evening had not closed in, the meteor was so large and vivid that it illuminated the atmosphere through which it passed for several seconds. From starting to the end of its course it described an arc of about 90 degrees and apparently terminated by bursting and falling in fragments of a red fiery appearance.
1862, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Tue 11 Nov 1862, ANOTHER METEOR.-A beautiful meteor passed over the town about five o'clock on Tuesday morning last. When observed by our informant its general form was that of a large bird with expanded wings, and traversed the sky at a somewhat low altitude in the direction of from W. to E. When it reached within a short distance of the horizon it suddenly burst and vanished into air. No report was noticed until the lapse of some four minutes, when a loud ex- plosion was heard coming from the E. The luminousness of the meteor was sufficient to invest it with striking beauty, notwithstanding the fast approach of daylight.-Moruya Messenger
1863, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW: Sat 17 Jan 1863, METEOR. -A meteor of a most beautiful description was seen by several persons in Maitland on Wednesday night about fifteen minutes to ten o'clock. It made its appearance from behind a massive bank of clouds in the lower portion of the western sky, travelling very fast and was visible for about forty seconds. During its course which seemed to be in a horizontal line from north to south, it gave off several small meteoric bodies and made a peculiar apparent pause each time one of these bodies left the large one, which was in appearance about half as large as the late great comet, and of similar shape. It disappeared behind another bank of clouds, as did also all the other smaller portions. The sky during the passage of the lurid body presented a clear light appearance with a slightly blue tinge in it. The suddenness of the appearance, in several instances, produoed a nervous start and exclamation of admiration from the beholders.
1863, The Age, Melbourne, Vic. : Mon 26 Jan 1863, METEOR AT TALBOT. — An unusually luminous meteor paid a flying visit to Talbot on Wednesday evening, about half-past eleven o'clock. In size it appeared to be about equal to a full moon. It rose in the west, and shot across the sky to the south, leaving a stream of light in its path. When first observed, its color was a pale blue, but as it ascended to the apex of the sky, it changed to a light red, and was of that color when it disappeared in the south. The night was beautifully clear.
1863, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW : Tue 24 Feb 1863, BRILLIANT METEOR. -On Wednesday night, about twenty minutes to twelve o'clock, one of the most brilliant meteor swe have ever observed was visible in the south-eastern sky for upwards of one minute. It is unfortunate that the lateness of the hour was such as to prevent this phenomenon being universally noticed. Our own attention was directed to it by the fine light it gave forth, causing a shadow as distinct as that which would have been thrown on the ground by a half full moon. Having been slightly startled by the suddenness of the unexpected light, we turned round and saw the brilliant body traversing the sky, as if falling in an almost perpendicular line. It finally disappeared at a point about six degrees above the horizon. The night was a beautiful starry one, but without a moon.
1863, The Argus, Melbourne, Vic. : Mon 4 May 1863, METEOR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir,-I shall be glad if you will insert in The Argus the following brief account of the appearance of a meteor, in the hope that it will elicit a better description from others who may have seen the same luminous body. In walking from Victoria-parade, in an easterly direction, about a quarter to two o'clock this morning, I saw what appeared to be a small globe of white fire, with a long train of sparks of various colours, shoot across the heavens in a direction from south to north. The sky was cloudless, and a nearly full moon was shining, yet the meteoric phenomena were exceedingly danzling. The larger body seemed to be about the size of a cricket ball, shining with a beautiful clear lustre, and the coruscations which followed it, some of which looked as big as a walnut, and the number of which was apparently twenty or thirty, were all very brilliant and of several hues. The meteors travelled horizontally, and seemed to be half way, or rather more, between the earth and the highest point of the sky. To the eye they seemed to extend nearly a dozen yards in length, and to travel about four times that distance, when the whole suddouly died out. It is difficult to judge the time, but I think the phenomena were visible to me for about lfve seconds. I am your obedient servant, May 2. W. V. R.
1864, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, NSW : Sat 13 Feb 1864, Splendid Meteor.— Yesterday morning, about a quarter to one o'clock a.m., one of the most brilliant meteors that we remember ever to have seen, made its appearance in the heavens. It fell in an oblique line from the zenith, and traversed the sky in an easterly direction. Besides being in itself of unusual brilliancy, (shedding a much brighter light than any star of the first magnitude), this beautiful body left in its train a stream of light strongly resembling a comet, which Indeed, for some seconds, any one might have imagined to be. During its progress through the heavens, the nucleus of this meteor-comet, also emitted corruscations of light, resembling those sent forth by a sky-rocket when descending (after it has burst), to the earth. It finally disappeared at some four degrees above the horizon. Taken altogether, it was a magnificent object ; and we cannot but regret that the time at which it appeared, should have prevented the beautiful sight from being more generally observed. The nignt, we may mention, was without a moon, which, doubtless, enhanced the effect produced.— Ibid.
1864, The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : Thu 10 Mar 1864, A METEOR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS. Sir,-As I have observed that the appearance of a meteor has been a subject of sufficient interest to lead to correspondence in your paper on a former occasion, it will, perhaps, gratify your astronomical readers who had not the opportunity to observe it if I describe the impression a very large and brilliant one made upon myself on Sunday morning last. At twenty minutes past twelve as I stood with my face towards the south-east, I was startled by its appearance, in much the same way as one would be startled on looking at a clear dark sky to see a bright moon suddenly break out. The meteor appeared to come from overhead, and fell towards the south, describing a gentle curve : as I stood near to a building, I was not able to see it reach the horizon. In size, it gave the impression of bring about half the size of the moon ; in form, that of a very regularly formed pear, the large round end first, and the stem running to a fine point, and turning in the direction of the curved line of its course ; in colour, the centre of it was yellow and the outside red, and sufficiently vivid to give an uncomfortable feeling of flame. As it has not happened to me to observe anything of this kind before, and I am ignorant of the usual appearance of such objects, I should be glad to know if its appearance made a similar impression upon others who may have seen it. Yours obediently, ST. KILDA. March 8.
1864, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, SA: Mon 4 Apr 1864, A magnificent meteor was observed in Adelaide at 10 minutes after 9 o'clock on Sunday evening. It was of unusual size and brilliancy, darted across the sky from east to west, and was visible for six or seven seconds after exploding.
1864, The Tarrangower Times and Maldon and Newstead Advertiser (Vic. : 1862 – 1873), Meteor.—On Monday evening, about seven o'clock, a brilliant fiery -meteor was seeu at Inglewood, traversing the sky towards the southeast. It could be distinctly seen for nearly at minute,";and before it disappeared it attuned almost theappearance.of a comet.
1864, (South Africa Report), The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : Thu 7 Jul 1864, A magnificent meteor passed over Durban to the southward on Sunday evening, about a quarter-past eight o'clock. The sky was clear, and the appearance of the meteor was most splendid. It represented a ball of violet-tinted fire bursting from the cast, and slowly sweeping with comet-like action westward. As it advanced, a stream of light flared behind, and it exploded like a rocket with a shower of parti- coloured fire. Such a brilliant spectacle is not often seen, and all who saw the phenomenon agree that itwas one of the rarest character.
1864, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Fri 9 Sep 1864, CURIOUS ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENON. - We have been favoured by a gentleman at Strathdon with the following account of a remarkable phenomenon witnessed at that place on the night of Sunday, the 14th. He says :-"About midnight last night I heard a loud report like the discharge of a very heavy piece of artillery, followed by a tumbling sound which lasted about fifteen or twenty seconds ; there was no vibration. Lifting my head, I saw what seemed to be a meteor suddenly disappear below the horizon about one point south of west. My impression was that some vessel had arrived in port, but the direction of the sound, being in the same direction as the meteor, dispelled the idea. If it was not a cannon shot it must have been the shock of an earthquake. It was heard by * * *, who also saw the meteor, and at the time he supposed it to be thunder without lightning or clouds. I should like to know whether this was heard in town." A very brilliant flash of light was seen in town, but no meteor or other possible cause was visible, the sky being perfectly cloudless. This occurred about 10 p.m. It was followed by a low rumbling noise, apparently at a great distance.-Port Denison Times, August 20.
1864, The Age, Melbourne,
Vic. : Sat 29 Oct 1864, Tho following account of the appearance of
a
somewhat extraordinary meteor is given by Thurs day's 0. and M.
Advertiser : — ' On Sunday night
last, about half-past eleven,
ono of those extraordinary meteors which occasionally astonish
residents in Australia was seen in Beechworth. At the time mentioned
a gentleman (our informant) was on his way home, when suddenly his
eyes were dazzled by an immense glare of light in the heavens. This
gentleman took notice of tho cause of this atmospheric phenomenon,
and called tho attention of his companion to it. Judging as well as
tho suddenness of its appearance would allow, the meteor seemed at
first as a mass of electric matter, which shot like a largo rocket,
taking a direction from the N.W. to tho S.E., and occupying in its
transit full three seconds of time. During its passage our informant
states that it was a most magnificent sight. It resembled, when first
observed, in some respects a very brilliant comet traversing the sky
at a tremendous rate, and illuminating the atmosphere as brightly as
sunlight, throwing off in its course coruscations that would defy all
tho efforts of pyrotechnists to imitate, and showing a long streak of
electric light. It eventually finished its career by a burst of the
main body, which descended like tho golden shower of Danio.'
METEORS. To the Editor of the Ovens, Murray Advertiser. Dear Sir,—It may be interesting to the public to know that as Mr Usher and myself were walking along the Melbourne Road, last night, we were astonished by the appearance of a very large and beautiful meteor, which came into view at fourteen and a quarter minutes to eight, at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizon, travelling north-north-westerly and viewed easterly. It continued its course for about two-thirds of the distance across the sky, and occupied in its transit about 10 seconds, and then burst like a rocket aud disappeared. Its appearance was like a star about ten times larger than Venus, and brilliant in proportion, with a long tail, measuring about three degrees of apace. I am, dear Sir, Yours truly, :Clarence Smith.Beechworth, Oct. 31st, 1864.
1864, The Star, Ballarat, Vic. : Fri 4 Nov 1864, METEOR.- On Sunday night, about ten minutes to eight, a large and beantiful meteor was seen by some ladies and gentlemen at Barker's Creek. When first seen it was in the western part of the sky, at an elevation of about ten degrees above the horizon caused by the ranges in the direction of Moonlight Flat. Insise it appeared nearly as large as a man's head, and bumed with a bluish flame. It travelled north wards with great velocity, and nearly horizontally, till after continuing in sight for four or five seconds, it moved behind the Moonlight range and was lost to view.-M. A. Mail, 2nd November.
1864, Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser, Qld. : Wed 30 Nov 1864, On Monday evening, about ten o'clock, a meteor of extreme beauty and magnificence appeared in the sky south from Maryborough, During its passage through the air, its brightness was such that every object around was visible, and we believe the smallest print could have been read. At the termination of its course, the meteor burst into a shower of oscintillations of the most varied and beautiful hues.
1865, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW : Tue 28 Feb 1865, BRILLIANT METEOR.-On Wednesday evening last a beautiful meteor was soon to flit across the sky by many persons ia Maitland It first appeared to the norch of the zenith, und dssconding towards the north-western horizon, traversing a distance ot from thirty to forty degrees, it disappeared from view. 'Hie meteor very much rosombled a rocket, only that it was much larger and more brilliant, it cast a very bright light npon surrounding objeote. tho luminous visitor waa seen over a large area, our contemporaries at Newcastle, Morpeth and Tamworth all noticing its appearance.
To the Editor of the Herald. Sir,- Observing in your paper of this morning an account of the meteor seen at Morpeth, I beg to inform you I saw the same distinctly at Balmain. I should say from the time I first saw it, it remained visible for at least five or six seconds , it resembled a large ball of white face, topped by a deep on a son Home, and followed by a long tail of bright stars its fall was straight towards the oath, and during the time occupied in its descent the sky appeared brilliantly illuminated Yours, Sec, JOSEPH SIMMONS, sen. Burnbank Hotel, February 28th.
1865, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Sat 6 May 1865, The Far North.— A gentleman writing from Mount Deception on April 28th says:— 'Last, night at about a quarter to 9 o'clock there was a most brilliant meteor high up in the sky. It appeared in the east, and fell towards the west, lasting at least three or four seconds. It was the most brilliant I ever saw.
1865, Bendigo Advertiser, Vic. : Mon 14 Aug 1865, SPLENDID METEOR.-On Saturday morning, about four o'clock, a meteor of unusual size and brilliancy was observed falling swiftly in the southern sky. It appeared like a huge ball of pale bluish light, so intense in its brightness that the whole heavens were illuminated, notwithstanding the clearness of a moonlight night.
1865The Herald, Melbourne, Vic. : Tue 24 Oct 1865, On Saturday evening the sky was clear, and unusual uumber of meteors, large and small, and of various colours, flew about in all directions."
1865, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, SA : Thu 26 Oct 1865, Splendid Meteor.—At Port Elliot, on Monday last, about half-past 8 pm., a singularly brilliant meteor shot across the heavens, and was visible from 20 to 30 seconds. The blaze of it was most refulgent, lighting up the whole township with the momentary splendor of sunshine. It appeared to issue from the sky, and to traverse it in at about 45 degrees in a S.S.E. direction, and again to reenter the firmament in an ascending line. It called forth exclamations from beholders—one, not of the most scientific, yet very significant of the effect the sight produced, we subjoin—a young lady exclaimed that the moon had exploded, which called to our mind the fractus illabitur of the poet. This meteor was seen at Brighton also.
1865, Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, Vic. : Thu 16 Nov 1865, A beautiful meteor, says the Argue of the 11th inst., was observed to cross the S.S.E. portion of the sky at ten minutes past nine o'clock last evening. It was of a steel-blue colcur, of sensible diameter, and of great brilliancy, and in its flight it left behind it a train (optical or real) of a reddish hue. Its visible course was but short, motion very swift, direction from E to W.
1866, The Age, Melbourne, Vic. : Fri 2 Feb 1866, A Beautiful Meteor was seen, last evening at about ten o'clock, and nlthongh the full moon shone brightly it was as brilliant as a rocket. It was first seen in tha western sky at an angle of about 45 degrees, and for some time made a slanting descent towards the east, when nearly over head, however, it took a horizontal course across the space until becoming fainter and fainter it was lost in the far distance, while still bearing at an angle of about 20 degress from the horispn. The' time the meteor waa visible must hava been folly a minute.— Bendigo Advertiser, Feb, 1.
1866, The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : Thu 17 May 1866, A very large meteor was observed, says the Ararat Advertiser, on Saturday night last, which for size and brilliancy appears to be un surpassed by any similar phenomenon that has lately been seen in this pert of the district. The meteor was first observed about tho zenith, from whence it traversed the sky to the horizon in a north-westerly direction. When first seen it did not appear to be much larger than what is generally hnown ns a falling star, but as it ap proached the horizon it increased greatly in size and brilliancy, leaving behind it on its course a long train of blue fire that was visiblo for some time, nnd scattering thousands of luminous stars of a similar colour.
1866, The Mercury, Hobart, Tas. : Fri 8 Jun 1866, METEOR.-At about seven o'clock last evening a most brilliant meteor appeared in the southern sky, falling from north-east to south, and disappearing behind Mount Nelson. The meteor, appeared like a gigantic ball of green fire, succeeded by a long train of reddish light. It was one of the most beautiful appearances of the kind which we can remember to have seen.
1866, The Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal, Port Wallaroo, SA : Sat 25 Aug 1866, A meteor of great brilliancy was seen last evening in the sky to the south-east. It fell at an angle of about 60 degrees to the horizon, gradually increasing in size and brilliancy, and leaving behind it quite a train of scintillations. It was visible for nearly half a minute, and gradually vanished from view. The light which it emitted was so intense as to throw the bright moonlight into the shade.
1866, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, SA : Mon 27 Aug 1866, TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. EARTHQUAKE AT GUMERACHA [Sent to Mr. Todd.] Gumeracha, August 25. A very loud report, causing the windows and doors of houses to shake, was heard at Gumeracha, Blumberg, Mount Pleasant, and other places, at 10.15 p.m. last night. It was supposed to be an earthquake. A Mr. Morgan, of North Gumeracha, reports in the township this morning that he saw a large meteor, which he describes as about nine inches in diameter, and with a tail 50 yards long, in the eastern sky, which burst with a tremendous report. Every one here heard the report, but I have learned nothing authentic about the meteor.
GUMERACHA. [From our own Correspondent.] Gumeracha, August 26. On Friday night, the 23rd(sic) inst., at a quarter past 10 o'clock, the inhabitants of Gumeracha were rather astonished to hear their doors and windows shaking as if some one was trying to effect an entrance. This was followed by a tremendous report like the discharge of a heavy piece of ordnance. The sky was beautifully clear at the time, and the atmosphere very frosty. Next morning (Saturday) persons began to talk about it, and to compare notes of their observations. When the coach arrived from Mount Pleasant and Blumberg it was found that the report had been heard at these places also. The conclusion hastily arrived at was that it must have been a shock of an earthquake. Later in the day new light was thrown upon the subject by two or three persons who were at different places at the time reporting that they saw a large meteor. Some describe it as large as the moon, another person says about nine inches in diameter. It was in the eastern sky, and burst into fragments about the size of hens' eggs after the report was heard. I have been told since that the explosion was heard at Tungkillo, and also at the River Murray, 30 miles from here.
Report: An earthquake is reported to have occurred in the Gumeracha district, at a quarter-past ten p.m. on the 24th inst. A large meteor, nine inches in diameter, with a tail fifty yards long, in the eastern sky, was observed to burst, with a tremendous report.
AN AEROLITE. (From the Fort Beaufort Advocate, Jane 9th.) On Friday last, a little after one o'clock p.m., general attention was attracted by a loud report, resembling the explosion of a cannon, which created so violent a concussion of the air that windows vibrated and bottles on shelves oscillated. Many rushed outside to ascertain the cause, and directed their eyes upwards to the place from whence the sound appeared to come ; but nothing was visible except a small patch of smoke at a considerable altitude to the north-west of the town ; the sky was otherwise cloudless. After a little while, however, it was ascertained from several parties, who were outside when the explosion occurred, that before the report they had observed a vivid streak of flame, apparently about a yard in breadth, and several yards long, pass with immense rapidity over the town at a great height, in a direction from south-east to north-west. Immediately afterwards the report, like the firing of a large cannon, was heard, and a small cloud of whitish vapour was seen in the spot whence the explosion proceeded. The phenomenon was seen and heard at Alice, the Tyumio, Adelaide, the Blink water, and other places besides Fort Beaufort, and all the witnesses concur in their description of the direction and appearance of the immense aerolite, for such no doubt it was. The only discrepancy in the various statements – is as to the precise locality at which the course of the meteor was arrested by the explosion. ? A person coming from the Blitikwiiter, who saw the figure distinctly, was under the impression that the meteor touched the earth about a mile to the north-west of Fort Beaufort; those at the You lowwoods believed it had struck the ground some place in their vicinity ; while persons of Alice fancied the course of the meteor was arrested at the Koonap. We have not yet heard ofanyporson having discovered any of the fragments of metal of which aerolites are composed ; but we have no doubt such will be found, as the meteor, from all accounts, was of immense size.
1866, The Mercury, Hobart, Tas. : Tue 28 Aug 1866, Meteor.- On Saturday evening a brilliant meteor was observed at about half-past 9 o'clock. It fell towards the north west with an appearance resembling that of a sky rocket, but without any report.
1866, Launceston Examiner, Tas. : Tue 18 Sep 1866, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. The Register of 28th ultimo says :-A gentleman, living at Kensington, informs us that at ten minutes past 10 o'clock on Friday evening, he perceived the largest meteor he had ever seen dropping from a great elevation in the sky due eastward. Although a bright moonlight night, the illumination was very great. He further states that some two or three minutes afterwards a report resembling thundler was distinctly heard reverberating through the hills, but so many seconds had elapsed that he could hardly at the time imagine it to be caused by the bursting of themeteor.
1866, The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : Fri 2 Nov 1866, About half-past 7 o'clock, a meteor of remarkable brilliancy appeared in the sky and passed rapidly from NE to S W , leaving a large train of luminous n after in its course immediately before its dissapearence it assumed a bluish hue, increased in size, and burst into two large brilliant fiery globes, which which seemed to extiguish some seconds before time corrugations which formed the train.
1866, Launceston Examiner Tas. : Tue 6 Nov 1866, ABOUT half past 3 o'clock yesterday morning a most beautliful meteor was seen. It pursued a course across the heavens, from north to south, at an altitude of about 60 degrees, and resmbled an immense sky-rocket, exploding and emitting a shower of sparks, illuminating the whole of the neighborhood.
1866, The Sydney Morning Herald NSW : Tue 13 Nov 1866, THE METEOR. To the Editor of the Herald. Sir,-In allusion to a letter in Saturday's Herald, signed " Meteor," I may observe that I myself, together with some friends, had the good fortune to obtain a very clear view of the meteor seen on Thursday week. Its description has been already given in your journal, but I think your cor- respondent must be mistaken in supposing its height to be so great as he has intimated. My knowledge of astronomy is very limited, and, consequently, I am perhaps mistaken, but I would suggest the following remarks. It was seen by a friend of mine who was sitting at the time in his verandah, bearing directly north from where I stood. The meteor appeared to me to pass between me and the horizon about 45 degrees from my zenith. To my friend it was, as he appears to think, some 15 degrees from his zenith. He was distant from me about half a mile. Now it could not have been very high from the earth when two observations so close together find a difference in zltilude of some 30 degrees. Again, l believe it is allowed that the atmosphere extends only about forty-five miles above the earth, and as the luminousness of these appearances is generally attributed to the friction of some object or other passing quickly through the air, the meteor in question must have been within the radius of our atmosphere. I will only allude to my own belief, that I distinctly heard a sound as if some object rushing quickly through the air, but that perhaps was the result of imagination. I may add that for some time after, the part of the sky from which the meteor first started, was a good deal dis- turbed by electricity. I am Sir, yours, &c., W. O'D. St. Leonards, November 10th.
1866, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Tue 13 Nov 1866, SHOOTING STARS -During three successive years, from 1831 to 1833, the 13th of November was marked by a magnificent display of shooting or falling stars, the most mysterious visitants to our globe respecting whose real nature and origin science is still so perplexed. The first of these brilliant exhibitions was witnessed off the coasts of Spain, and in the country bordering on the Ohio. The second is thus described by Captain Hammond of H.M.S. Restitution, who beheld it in the Red Sea, off Mocha. "From 1 o'clock a.m. till after daylight, there was a very unusual phenomenon in the heavens. It appeared like meteors bursting in every direction. The sky at the time was clear, the stars and moon bright, with streaks of light, and thin white clouds interspersed in the sky. On landing in the morning, I inquired of the Arabs if they had noticed the above. They said they had been observing it most of the night. I asked them if ever the like had appeared before. The oldest of them replied that it had not." The area over which this phenomenon was seen extended from the Red Sea westwards to the Atlantic, and from Switzerland to the Mauritius. But the most imposing display of shooting, stars on record occurred on the third of these occasions-that is, on the 13th November, 1833. It extended chiefly over the limits comprised between longitude 61° in the Atlantic, and 100° in Central Mexico, and from the latitude of the great lakes of North America to the West Indies. From the appearance presented, it might be regarded as a grand and portentous display of nature's fireworks. Seldom has a scene of greater or more awful sublimity been exhibited than at the Falls of Niagara on this memorable occasion, the two leading powers in nature, water and fire, engaging, as it were, in an emulative display of their grandeur. The awful roar of the cataract filled the mind of the spectator with an infinitely heightened sense of sublimity, when its waters were lightened up by the glare of the meteoric torrent in the sky. In many parts of the country the people were terror-struck, imagining that the end of the world was come ; whilst those whose education and vigour of mind prevented them from yielding to such terrors, were, nevertheless, vividly reminded of the grand description m the Apocalypse. "The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." The most probable theory as to the nature of shooting stars is, that they form part of the solar system, revolving round the sun in the same manner as the planetoids, but both infinitely smaller in size, and subject to great and irregular perturbations. The latter cause brings them not unfrequently within the limits of the earth's atmosphere, on entenng which they become luminous from the great heat produced by the sudden and violent compression which their transit occasions. Having thus approached the earth with great velocity, they are as rapidly again withdrawn from it into the realms of space. It is very possible, moreover, that the fiery showers which we have just described, may be the result of a multitude of these meteors encountering each other, whilst the aerolites, or actual meteoric substances, which occasionally fall to the surface of the earth, may be such of those bodies as have been brought so far within the influence of terrestrial gravity as to be rendered subject to its effects. Chambers's Book of Days, November 13th, 1864.
1866, The Newcastle Chronicle, NSW : Wed 12 Dec 1866, SINGLETON. 'From the Singleton Times, December 7. Last night, about- olovon o'clock, a meteor of unusual beauty,, size,- , and brilliancy, moved from an altitude-forfty-five degrees oast of Orion' and fell in a northerly direction, illuminating,nlike a rocket, for. about seven seconds, the then clear, stary night
1867, (BRITAN) Leader, Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 12 Jan 1867, SIGNS IN THE HEAVENS. On the night of 13-14th November 1866, within an hour or so true to time, the predicted once in a generation shower of meteors was seen in Britain. They flashed and fell in thousands, and the night being very clear, the effect was awfully magnificent. The stars seemed to bo falling on the earth, down shaken by a mighty wind, as in the Apocalyptic vision. The meteors left luminous wakes upon the sky, and broke in varicoloured balls like rockets. Some observers noticed ever and aiiou a cracking sound. Half the country stayed up to see the splendid sight. A day or two nfterwaids there was a tremendous rainfall in the north of England ; the rivers of Lancashire and Yorkshire rushed over their banks, and have done almost incalculable damage to property as well as caused most melancholy loss of life.
1867, Kyneton Guardian and Woodend and Malmsbury Chronicle (Vic. : Sat 2 Feb 1867, A Large and very brilliant meteor crossed the sky on Friday evening last, (reports the Ararat - .- Its course being near due east. Its appearance was first visible a little above the western horizon, from, whence it traversed the' sky, apparently gathering brilliance as it proceeded. It threw off myriads of stars in its course.
1867, The Yass Courier (NSW : Wed 6 Mar 1867, On Saturday evening last, about eight p.m.. a beautiful meteor was seen in the heavens. It took its fall in a north or north-oasterly direction ; it lighted up tho whole heavens, and was like a largo sky-rocket.
1867, Leader, Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 9 Mar 1867, The Sky in the neighborhood of Sale, abost a quarter before nine o'clock on Saturday evening, was illuminated by one of the most brilliant meteors which has been seen in Gipps Land for years. The orb of the ball was well defined, and the diameter more than one half of the moon. According to the Gippsland Times, tho most singular circumstance connected with the phenomenon was that, when about half way from the point of exit, the meteor hesitated in its passage for nearly a. second, and then shot across the heavens with increased rapidity and disappeared about due east.
1867, Williamstown Chronicle Vic. : Sat 15 Jun 1867, A brilliant meteor, of large dimensions'
was observed from Castlemaine, it is said, on Wednesday evening, about 7 o'clock. It appeared in the eastern sky, was visible for about two minutes and travelled westward. was visible for about two minutes. The night was beautifully clear. The moon was shining brightly at the time the meteor became visible, but its light was dimmed by the lustre of the speedily departing visitor.
1867, South Australian Register Adelaide, SA : Wed 21 Aug 1867, A Meteor.— Mr. George Osborn, Wakefield street, Kent Town, writes concerning a meteor which he saw in the western sky on Saturday evening. He wishes to hear from any person who mav have observed it closely.
1867, Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : Sat 7 Sep 1867, A Meteor.—Last night, about nine o'clock, a brilliant meteor appeared in the sky to' the east,' descending in an olilique direction towards the southland then suddenly vanishing. During its appearance, which lasted only a,few moments, the light of the brightly shining moon was completely eclipsed, e.very object around- being 'as visible as at noon-day.
1867, The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : Fri 27 Sep 1867, About eight o'clock on the night of the 16th September, a . very brilliant meteor was ob served in Danedin, proceeding from a point a little to the wost of north. The sky was dark at the time, there being a few clouds here and there, and tho moon had not risen, so the whole horizon was lighted up by the flash of the meteor for an instant or two.
1868, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser NSW : Tue 31 Mar 1868, BRILLIANT METEOR. - On Wednesday evening, about seven o'clock, an unusually brilliant meteor shot across the northern sky. It was as large as the evening star now appears, and shone with clear white light. It was visible for some seconds, and did not travel so fast as these erratic lights usually do ; the explosion or disappearance was gradual, and the central mass of light appeared to break up into smaller stars, which shot outsparks of red fire. An instant elapsed, and all was dark.
1868, The Age, Melbourne, Vic. : Wed 17 Jun 1868, Extraobbinmry Meteoh. — On Saturday night, says the Maitland Mercury of the 10th, about nine o'clock, a meteor of most remarkable character was observed by several persons in High-street traversing tho north-western sky. The nucleus of the meteor is described as being apparently as large as the face of the full moon, and so brilliant that the rays of the moon, then shining brightly, wore quite over powered by its lustre, and distinct shadows were dotined for the instant that the flamming visitor passed along. A train of fire streamed away from the head or nucleus, and after the disappeatance, which took place as rapidly as usual, several loud explosions were heard, rummbling the discharges of a field-piece at a little distance from the observer. A gentleman residing at Trossinglield tells us that though he did not see the meteor, he heard his men conversing upon its remarkable character, and he also says that the effect of the explosion, which he did notice, was to rattle the windows of the house in the same manner that thunder sometimes dose.
1868, The Sydney Morning Herald, NSW : Mon 20 Jul 1868, To the Editor of the Herald. Sir,-On returning home to Randwick last evening, at the time your correspondent " W." states, my attention was called by my little boy to this meteor. I was struck with its brilliancy, it being perfectly daylight, the sky very clear, and of course no stars visible. It was almost over our heads, and travelled due east to within a short distance of the horizon, when it appeared to burst. Yours, faithfully, A. C. 16th July, 1868.
THE METEOR. To the Editor of the Herald. Sir,-Of all the communications that I have read in yourpaper, or have received, relative to the large meteor which appeared on the 15th instant, there is only one which is of any scientific value. I have been favoured by a gentleman residing at Raymond Terrace, with observations made by him at the moment of the meteor's disappearance. Although the data which he sends are not so accurate as those which might be afforded by persons accustomed to celestial observation, they are of sufficient value for a rough approximation to the meteor's position. By combining the Raymond Terrace observations with my own, I find that the meteor at the instant of its extinction was about forty miles above the surface of the earth, and vertical to a point in the Pacific about three hundred and thirty miles E. 24° S. of Windsor. Observations made on the coast south of Sydneywould be of value as a means of verifing this determination. The observations of "W.," given in the Herald of the 20th instant, evidently do not refer to the place of the meteor at the moment of its extinction. I shall be glad at all times to receive observations of meteors, and may I remind your readers that the data required for the investigation of their paths through space are the following :- 1. The geographical position of the observer. 2. The local mean time of the phenomenon (say to the nearest minute.) 3. The position, to the nearest degree, of the meteor atthe instant of its first appearance and its disappearance. If the meteor appear in a starless sky, as in the present instance, its position may be expressed by its altitude and azimuth. If, however, the sky be clear and starlit, its position may be given with reference to some conspicuous star. 4. The duration of the meteor's flight expressed in seconds. Observations furnished in accordance with these directions by persons widely separated from one another would afford valuable data for the improvement of meteoric astronomy. JOHN TEBBUTT, Jun. Windsor, July 24th.
1868, The Albury Banner and Wodonga Express, NSW : Sat 12 Sep 1868, A BRILLIANT METEOR was observed at Albury last Monday evening about eight o'clock. The course was from north-east to south-west, passing directly over the town: the meteor left a luminous track in the sky as it sailed along, and the nucleus, upon breaking up, threw out a number of fragments of blue and purple tints. We notice that the meteor was obserred at Beechworth at the same time and in the same direction as above described.
1868, Hamilton Spectator and Grange District Advertiser, Vic. : Wed 23 Sep 1868, An exceedingly brilliant meteor is reported to have been Been at Mount Gambler on Tuesday night, at about half-past eight. It rose in the North, and traversed the sky towards S.S.E., and appeared to burst just over the Blue Lake.
1869, Mount Alexander Mail, Victoria: Fri 5 March, Last evening; at about nine o'clock,- wlion' there was a perfect calm, to meteors of singular brightness shot across the western sky from opposite directions, parallel to, east and west! It was a remarkable feature of the temporary" staling strangers that they left behind them a dark train, which, previous to disappearing, changed to an indistinct pale, yellow. The duration of, time during which the phenomena was visible was 80 seconds
1869, Launceston Examiner, Tas. : Sat 29 May 1869, REMARKABLE METEOR. To the Editor of the Launceston Examiner. Circular Head, 22nd May, 1869. Dear Sir,--On Wednesday last, the 19th May, about 6 o'clock p.m. or a few minutes later, a meteor made its appearance in a WSW position, passing almost parallel with the earth's surface for a considerable distance, and then swelling to the dimensions of nearly the apparent diameter of the moon, when it exploded. About 1½ minutes after its disappearance a load report was heard by the writer and several others residing miles apart. The light from the meteor was sufficient to overpower that of the moon, shining brilliantly in a clear sky. The explosion or report was free of echo or reverberation, not unlike the sound of a distant cannon shot, and from the known rate at which sound travels-1142 feet in a second-the object must have oeen within twenty miles of the spectator. Amongst the hundreds of what are called shooting stars, of a kindred nature, I never before had to record the sensation of hearing an unmistakable report after the extinction of any meteor, and therefore send this account in order to ascertain to what distance the present visitant was observed. At this place it was noticed by the Rev. H. E. Drew and others from the township of Stanley, as well as by myself and many of my neighboirs eight to nine miles further south. Allowing, therefore, that the sound ocoupied 1½ minutes in travelling to the observer at the latter position, from the time of the explosion of the meteor, it would seem to have fallen about midway between Circular Head and Wool- north, or ten miles west of the settlement at the Duck River. Yours truly, S. B. EMMETT. P.S.-Since writing the foregoing I have had communication with Duck River, and as- certained that the report of the explosion of the celestial visitant was heard there with startling distinctness, shaking the furnitire and bedsteads of the residents as if from the effect of an earthquake ; thus establishing the proximity of the meteor to the point I indicated above. S. B. E. May 24. My brother has just informed me that the meteor was observed at the Mersey. This will go far to strengthen the impression that all similar meteors explode with a loud report, but the sound unheard on account of the distance, and that their original position must be looked for beyond even the moon's distance; for it has long been proved by hundreds of authentic accounts, that the meteoric stones are composed of at least one foreign substance (nickel), and other com- ponent constituents never absent, though differing in quantity. S. B. E. May 25.
1869 (GERMANY), The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954, Fri 13 Aug 1869, EXTRAORDINARY PHENOMENA -- On the evening of the 30th May, the inhabitants of Greiffenberg and the neighouring villages, for more than a German mile in circuit, were the witnesses of an extraordinary natural phenomenon. Between nine and ten o'clock Thunder clouds seemed to be gathering around the Iser and Riesengebirge to the south, while the rest of the sky appeared to be covered only by light clouds. Now and then a few flashes of lightning were seen in the far distance. Suddenly all eyes were blinded by a fall of fire differing both in form and colour from common lightning, which was followed in four or five seconds by a deep and terrific report like a loud peal of thunder. All the windows rattled and the houses seemed shaken to their foundations. Those who were in the open air say that they seemed to be wrapped in fire and deprived of air some instants. A mild and moderate rain without thunder or lightning followed. Opinions differ as to whether the above appearances are to be attributed to a meteor or to a sudden dis- charge of electricity. --North German correspondent.
1869, The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, NSW : Tue 24 Aug 1869, A brilliant meteor was observed on' Sunday evening, about half-past seven p m, which shone with extraordinary brilliancy for a few seconds, and fell in a north-westerly direction.
1869, Adelaide Observer SA : Sat 11 Sep 1869, BRILLIANT METEORS. TO THE EDITOR. Sir-I saw in the Observer recently an extract from a Gawler paper with reference to a "singular phenomenon." I presume that the Sunday there referred to was the 15th, on which date, as I was riding along the road from Wellington to Meningie, the sky being partly overcast, and the morning rather dark, with occasional flashes of lighming in the south-east-as near as I can judge the time it mast have been 2.45 a.m.-when a light equal to the brightest moonlight shone out. lasting about 15 seconds. On turning towards the north-west, which was free from clouds, I could see a magnificent meteor descending like a huge bolt of steel at a welding lieat. I beard sounds similar to those described in your paragraph, but felt no vibration of the ground. I had the good fortune to witness a still grander spectacle of the same description on the morning of July 6, at daybreak, but in that case the track of the meteor was marked by whitish vapoury clouds, which lasted for about a minute after its disappearance. Its direction was in the south west. Trusting you will pardon my poor account of these wonderful and mysterious visitants. I am. Sir, &c., S. N. Lake Alexandrioa, August 13,1868.
1869, The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : Mon 25 Oct 1869, A LARGE METEOR.-The Northern Argus, a Rockhampton journal, contains the following : -As a gentleman was travelling to Rockhampton from the north side on Tuesday evening, on horseback, and just as he arrived at Mount Wheeler, he heard something behind him resembling a long and lond shriek. He turned round, and it appeared to him as if the hemisphere were in a blaze ; the whole of the country was lit up as bright as daylight. His horse was so frightened that he nearly leaped from under him. When he first looked round he saw an enormous ball of fire travelling from the north-east, and when it approached the mountains it burst into thousands of sparks resembling sky rockets; they shot out into lengthened streaks of flame, as if about to enter the hill, but they passed over the top and in a direction towards the earth. There was a strong sulphurous smell, and the noise made by the ball of fire, which our informant described as appearing to him of the size of many tons, was peculiarly startling and awful. He said, " I thought all was up with me, and I took off my hat awaiting the result." We are not aware whether this phenomena was seen by any one else, but we give the information exactly as it was furnished to us.
1869, South Australian Register, Adelaide, SA : Sat 18 Dec 1869, On Friday evening a splendid meteor crossed the sky about 9 p.m. ; its course was from S.W. to N.E.; and it had three heads, placed in the same position as the stars forming the belt in Orion, and terminated in a long luminous tail, like a comet. The sight lasted about 10 seconds, and was followed by falling stars.
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