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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