METEOR
FALLS, SUPER BOLIDES AND EARTH SKIMMING OBJECTS IN AUSTRALIA
FROM
THE YEARS 1873 TO 1875
Cosmic
Collisions: Past and Future Warning (@MatthewHoo1556) / Twitter
(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.)
1873, Gippsland Times,
Vic. : Sat 4 Jan 1873, A meteor of unusual splendour and
brilliancy was observable on Thursday night in the north-west. Its
course was from north-west to south-west, as it proeceded leaving a
train of fire behind which quite illumined the sky in the quarter it
traversed. Several other meteors of less note were seen the same
night. Our Briagolong correspondent informs us that during the past
week numbers of them have been seen from that locality, one of which
attracted considerable attention, last Saturday night. It travelled
from east to south lasting for several seconds, at last ex- ploding
and sending forth a spray of stars that illumined the whole
firmament. REPORT
2: At 10.40 p.m., on the 2nd instant, (Thursday) a brilliant meteor
passed through the sky. It started
rather faint at first, about 10 degrees south-east of Procyon in Cams
minor, in a southerly direction, and disappeared to the cast of the
star Gamma, in the Southern Cross. During the passage it appeared
half as large again as the planet Jupiter. Two other stars passed in
the same direction, from the same place, between that time and 11
p.m., but not so bright. REPORT 3: A magnificent
'meteor shot across the. Northern sky about half-past 10 o'olock last
evening. Its course was from west to east, , and the appearance
somewhat resembled an immense luminous pear of
brilliant white colour edged with blue. Gippslands seems to have
been visited by a somewhat unseasonable shower of meteors. From the
Times we learn that "a meteor of unusual splendor and'
brilliancy was observable on Thursday night in the north- west. Its
course was from north-west to south-west as it proceeded, leaving a
train of fire, behind which quite illumined the sky in the quarter it
traversed. Several other meteors of less note were seen the same
night.
1873, Wagga Wagga
Advertiser and Riverine Reporte, NSW : Sat 11 Jan 1873, The Mount
Alexander Mail reports that " a magnificent meteor shot across
tho northern sky about half-past 10 o'clock on Friday evening.' Its
course was from west to east, and the appearance somewhat resembled
an immense luminous pear, of a brilliant white colour, edged with
blue."
1873, The Ballarat
Courier, Vic. : Wed 5 Feb 1873, A meteor of extraordinary
brilliancy appeared in Melbourne on Monday
night. Just before it burst it appeared as large as the full moon.
When it exploded, it lit up the Fitzroy Gardens with quite a vivid
light. REPORT 2: A METEOR of extraordinary
magnitude and brilliancy was observed on Monday night at abont
half-past 9 o'clock. It appeared in the southern sky, at an elevation
of about 75 degrees.
1873, The Ballarat
Star, Vic. : Tue 11 Feb 1873, A correspondent writes:— As a
writer in Friday’s Argus desires information about the part of the
sky where the meteor appeared, permit me to state that here in
Ballarat I saw it pass right through the Southern Cross. A friend of
mine has told me that to him the meteor appeared to issue from the
star forming the bottom of the long arm of the Cross. I mention this
as bearing out my observation.”
1873, The
Queenslander, Brisbane, Qld. : Sat 29 Mar 1873, A splendid meteor
shot along the sky on Thursday night, between 8 and 9 o'clock, from a
north westerly to a southeasterly point. The night was clear and the
moon shining brightly, but the meteor, during its passage overhead,
greatly intensified the light.
1873, The Argus,
Melbourne, Vic. : Tue 13 May 1873, "About a quarter to 10 on
Thursday night," the Daylesford Mercury states. "a very
beautiful meteor was seen here. When the aerolite appeared the wind
was blowing strong from the north, the temperature was high for this
period of the year, and the sky was clouded, except that portion of
the horizon extending from west to north, Suddenly a fireball as
large as.Venus, and of a lovely blue colour, dropped from the bank of
cloud overhead, and descended perpendicularly towards the west. This
brilliant object was visible only for a couple of seconds, and
disappeared as noiselessly as it came into sight. Had not the moon
been up, the exhibition of celestial pyrotechnics would have been far
more splendid."
1873, Launceston Examiner, Tas. :
Thu 15 May 1873, One of extraordinaiy brilliancy occurred on
Tuesday night week,about nine o'clock,inthe southern quarter of the
heavens, and continued visible for several seconds, lighting mip the
horizon to such an extent as to produce an imitation of daybreak. I
What was peculiar about this visitant was that it illuminated thile
sky before it became manifest itself, and a beholder might have been
startled by supposing the full moon to be rising I in the south
instead of the east.
1873, Bendigo
Advertiser, Vic. : Mon 26 May 1873, A Brilliant Meteor.—A
meteor of extrodinary brilliancy was observed at about seven o'clock,
in the southern heavens. It appeared to shoot in a north western
direction, from a point half-way between the zenith and the horizon,
and it was a rapid and brilliant as a flash of lightening although of
bluish colour. Tho singularity of the phenomenon was that although
the meteor passed in an instant, its traces were to be seen for a
considerable time afterwards. The appearance was like that of an
ordinary rocket, the part of the sky through which it shot being
illuminated, as if with a blueish color. The sin fiery baud, and it
was fully ten minutes before the bright trail disappeared. The same
meteor appears to have been seen in Melbourne.
1873, Geelong Advertiser, Vic.: Mon
26 May 1873, A very brilliant meteor was observed last evening a
few minutes before seven o'clock. The reflection lighted up the
streets of the town, but the sky being much overcast it was only
momentarily visible, and many of the church-goers imagined it to be a
flash of lightning. A few, however, observed the meteor, which was of
unusual' size and brilliancy, and passed from the north west to the
eastern horizon.
1873, The Ballarat
Star, Vic. : Tue 27 May 1873, THE METEOR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE
STAR. OBSERVER. Monday. SIR,—I was rather surprised to find no
mention in to-day’s Argus or Telegraph of the meteor referred to in
your “news and notes,” as it presented a most unusual appearance
in the sky for the space of three or four minutes. As near as I can
judge, the time must have been about five or
six minutes after seven o’clock in ; tho evening, when a bright
flash threw my shadow strongly in relief upon the street, though I
was then in'the full glare of.a.gas lamp almost above me/near St.'
Jude’s Church, in Melbourne.' Looking up, I.saw the meteor run
along through the constellation Navis for about 10 or 12 degrees in
length, leaving a train of fire,., that remained visible for fully
three or four, minutes, first in a straight line feathered out like a
brush; and latterly undulating in a sinuous or serpent like form; as
if thousands of luminous particles were slowly sinking in our
atmosphere, after the bursting.
1873, The Armidale
Express and New England General Advertiser, NSW : Sat 31 May 1873,
We were informed that while the terrestrial pyrotechnic displays were
proceeding they were rivalled by a meteor of unusual brilliancy
cutting its way through the sky from S.S.E. to N.N.W.
1873, Bunyip, Gawler,
SA : Sat 7 Jun 1873, I saw a beautiful meteor on Friday evening
'last at about 6 o'clock. I was wanting m a northerly direction, when
I chanced to look round and was startled by a flish of light
appearing in the southern sky, which I perceived to be a meteor. It
appeared at first to be as large as the moon, and moved slowly,
nearly in a perpendicular direction, leaving a streak of light behind
it, which soon disappeared, and in a moment there was not a trace of
any disturbance in the starry heavens.
1873, The Armidale
Express and New England General Advertiser, NSW : Sat 7 Jun 1873,
On Saturday night, a brilliant meteor was seen to shoot from the
Eastern sky, in a Westerly direction, which was of such remarkable
brilliancy, that its path in the heavens was illuminated for fully
ten minutes afterwards.
1873,
The Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser, NSW, Sat 7
Jun 1873. As a boating party was returning from the Lake on
Queen's Birthday, by Cockle Creek, a beautiful meteor was seen about
ten minutes to eight, which, for about eight seconds, quite illumined
the heavens. In appearance it was like a round ball of lire, and
during its rapid course was emitting showers of fiery stars. When
very low it suddenly burst, causing a great stream of light. Its
course was Southerly.
1873, Mount Alexander
Mail, Vic. : Wed 23 Jul 1873, A very large and magnificent meteor
crossed the southern arc of the sky abont 3 o'clock ou Tuesday
morning. So brilliant was its light that the scenery all around was
illuminated. In shape it resembled a large pear of pure white flame.
1873, Mount Alexander
Mail, Vic. : Mon 28 Jul 1873, A very large meteor crossed the
wdstern sky on Saturday evening, between eight and nine o'clock.' It
was visible for several seconds, and was of a bright white.bolour,
tinged with blue.
1873, The Mercury,
Hobart, Tas. : Sat 1 Nov 1873, SINGULAR METEORS TO THE EDITOR OF
THE MERCURY. SIR,-As no doubt you will receive from different
quarters a description of a magnificent meteor, which must have been
seen by many this evening, I will leave it to others to give a
scientific account of the same. But as I, with two others, were
fortunate enough to see the star actually start upon its fiery
course, excuse an unscientific description, as none could have been
more fortunate in an observation. Its first appearance was that of a
bright star of the magnitude of Venus, travelling remarkably slowly,
for such a body, in a slightly curved and downward course from north
to west, leaving behind it a brilliant, fiery track, quite
sufficient, had it been dark night, to have lighted up the whole
country. One peculiar feature about it was the apparently slow rate
at which it travelled, taking, as it seemed, some four or five
seconds to accomplish its visible course, when it suddenly
disappeared in the atmosphere, without any cloud to intercept its
course, there being a clear sky with bright moonlight at the time.
The star retained its brilliancy and apparent size to the last
moment. Upon its disappearance we listened for a report, but heard
none. About this time, 8.30 p.m., there were some most vivid and
peculiar looking flashes of lightning, some appearing like large
globes of fire just above the horizon. This storm lasted about two
hours, when the sky, which had become clouded, cleared again, and
about 10.30 there was another very striking meteor, which appeared to
be about the size of Jupiter, without rays, or leaving any semblance
of a track, as it shot in a rapid course downwards at right angles to
the moon, having, as it seemed, started from just benenth it. These
two brilliant meteors, appearing on the same night, remind us that we
are now approaching the course of the falling stars. New Norfolk.
Yours faithfully, SIDUS. October 30th. [We thank our
correspondent for his interesting letter, the more especially that we
have not heard of the meteors from any other source:-ED. M.
1873, Geelong
Advertiser, Vic. : Mon 10 Nov 1873, A beautiful meteor was
observed last evening about 9.30. It crossed in a direct course from
east to west, emitting a pale blue flam e and leaving a bright track
behind it, when it eventually burst into a thousand fragments of
luminous matter and disappeared. The evening had previously been
cloudy, but the sky at the time was perfectly clear, and so great was
the: reflection that the streets of the town were momentarily lighted
up as if by moonlight. Those who witnessed the meteor admit that it
was one of the largest and most brilliant observed for a long time.
1874The Ballarat Star,
Vic: Fri 13 Mar 1874, Avery beautiful meteor flew across the sky
on Thursday night about nine o’clock. Its course was apparently due
north‘and in the line of the meridian, the bright blue hub of the
glare throwing out a long stream of light in a horizontal direction
till lost to the eye In the northward flight of the aerolite.
1874, Illawarra
Mercury, Wollongong, NSW : Tue 14 Apr 1874, Beautiful Meteor.—
At about twelve minutes to 6 o'clock yesterday evening the most
beautiful meteor we have ever had the pleasure of witnessing appeared
in the western sky. It darted almost directly from north to south, at
a considerable elevation above the horizon, and although daylight had
scarcely declined to any extent at the time, the meteor appeared
considerably larger and more brilliant than does the planet venus at
its greatest brightness on a dark night. After being visible for a
few seconds, the apparent body of the meteor vanished, leaving a long
train of meteoric whiteness along its course, which clearly defined
train was distinctly visible to the naked eye for a period of six
minutes. We may remark that the sky was overcast at the time with
still, hazy-looking clouds, in which the meteoric train appeared like
a belt of brilliant light for the time mentioned. REPORT 2: The Recent
Meteor. — The meteor referred to in our issue of the 14th instant
as having been observed just after sunset on the previous day must
have been one of the most wonderful objects of its character ever
witnessed in the southern sky. The immense size and altitude of the
meteor may be imagined to some extent by the fact that we have notice
of its having been seen at Sydney and Mudgee, as well as here, at the
same time, in clear daylight, and especially as it appeared in the
western heavens, to observers at Mudgee, as it did here. — The
Cudgegong correspondent of the ' Western Post' writes : — On
Monday, 13th instant, a most remarkable meteor was seen in
the western point of the heavens at an altitude of about thirty
degrees, thence travelling horizontally towards the south and east.
Its first appearance was that of a ball of fire about fifteen inches
in diameter, of a light green color, and as it passed through the
heavens at a slow pace left a long trail of stars, resembling a
comet, which gradually decreased in brightness until the ball only
remained, which continued on its course for several seconds. There is
no doubt had it been dark instead of daylight it would have shown
very brilliantly. REPORT 3: ,
DAYLIGHT METEOR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD. Sir,-In your issue of
to-day there appears a notice of a remarkable meteor which was seen
by the Cudgegong correspondent of the Western Post. I am happy to say
that I was likewise fortunate enough to behold this stranger from the
celestial universe : or if not the same, at all events one very
similar to that described by the correspondent of the Post. Whether
it was a true aerolite, or merely an ordinary bolide I am not in a
position to say, but judging from appearances I should incline to the
opinion that it was the former, and that its scattered particles fell
into the sea. It was certainly the most brilliant meteor which it has
ever been my pleasure to behold. For some time past I have been
accustomed to observe celestial phenomena and have often enjoyed the
rewards, which nature so bountifully beatows upon those who listen to
her teachings. But I was never more amply rewarded for my sky-gazing
propensities than on the evening of Monday, the 13th
instant. I was riding home from the city, and was rising the hill on
the Newtown Road, when my attention was suddenly arrested by a
splendid meteor shooting with vast rapidity across the celestial
vault. It travelled horizontally from west to east, and described a
straight line, which gradually inclined to the earth. It had an
apparent diameter of from 12 to 18 inches, but its real diameter must
have exceeded that by many times ; as it was evidently at a
considerable distance from the earth, and traversing the more
rarified parts of our atmosphere, I should judge it to have had an
elevation of about 50° from the southern horizon, and as I saw it,
it appeared to be crossing Argo Navis into Centaurus, but was
sensibly drawn downwards by the powerful attraction of the earth.
After I caught the first glimpse of its appearance, it remained
visible for about 30 seconds, and when detonation took place it
seemed to burst from the centre, and scatter a shower of sparks all
around. I cannot describe its intense brilliancy. It was quite
daylight, being about twenty minutes to 6. The sun was just dipping
the horizon, and under such conditions not only was the meteor
visible, but it was luminously and intensely so. It burned with that
peculiar lustre which metallic substances give when they are in an
incandescent state. While I observed it there was no variation in its
colour, save that each second its silvery whiteness seemed to glow
with increasing heat, and it blazed with more dazzling brilliance
until combustion took place ; when, in a moment, it passed from an
incandescent into a gaseous state, its matter becoming vaporised by
intense heat. As it approached vaporisation, I could only compare its
brilliant white light to that which is emitted by the sun, and I
should suppose its intense luminosity to have been produced by the
rapid combustion of hydrogen. It is customary for aerolites to
explode with a loud report ; but, although I distinctly saw the
explosion, I did not catch the faintest echo of its detonation. Very
probably it exploded at too great a distance from the earth for its
sound to reach us. The atmosphere was at that moment transparent and
clear, and the recent experiments of Professor Tyndall, with sound
signals, would seem to favour the conclusion that sound is best
convoyed through our atmosphere when the weather is thick and hazy.
Had the meteor been visible two or three hours later, it would have
presented a very brilliant appearance and it would likewise have been
seen by many thousands of people. I am quite certain that its light
would have exceeded that of the moon in intrinsic splendour ; and not
only should we have had a magnificent display of celestial fireworks,
but I am fully of opinion that at the moment of vaporization, and for
a few seconds preceding it, the matter in process of combustion was
of sufficient magnitude to have shed a sensible illumination over the
city. I remain, Sir, yours very truly, M. Wesleyan Parsonage,
Newtown, April 20th.
1874, The Express and
Telegraph, Adelaide, SA : Thu 16 Apr 1874, On Friday evening last
a starlike meteor, was observed shooting along the sky from east' to
west. It had a -yery long tail, and did not appear to die out, but'
was visible until the trees shut it from sight.
1874, Mount Alexander
Mail, Vic. : Fri 17 Apr 1874, Last evening, about five minutes
past nine, a magnificent meteor was observed in the northern sky. It
first appeared very small, but as it progressed in its course across
the sky it rapidly enlarged, till it appeared about the size of the
moon and then as suddenly disapeared , leaving a long and luminnous
train after it, marking its erratic course. -The light eminated was
sufficiently strong to render objects at a distance distincily
visible during the time it occupied in passing, which was about ten
seconds.
1874, Rockhampton
Bulletin, Qld.: Wed 20 May 1874, The Meteor (we will call it)
made its visit at twilight in a south-westerly direction, at least
one-third up in the sky, to all appearances circular in shape, as
large as the moon when at its full, in colour blood red with a deep
blue edge. For a few sccouds it remained stationary, then fell at a
slow rate, perpendicularly, out of sight below the horizon, which
occupied some nine seconds of time. Whilst in its course the circular
form altered to that of a cone with a round bottom end, the blood red
colour still forming a circle of the lower part, and the deep
sulphurous blue the narrow upper end. In its track there was left a
perfect pillar of fire, which for over three minutes (after the
disappearance of the meteor itself) remained brilliantly visible ;
thence from a vertical shape to that of a snakelike one it changed,
displaying a phosphorescent light that took several minutes to fade
completely away. But the most singular aspect of the matter is the
fact that the after light remained as clear to the eye at top as at
bottom, even to the last, whereas in ordinary meteors it is never so.
At the time of its appearance, the evening was mild, fine, and
cloudless, the moon shining brightly ; but the "stranger"
for a time illuminated the whole heavens, and thereby put the moon
entirely into the shade. In conclusion, it was the grandest scene
that I have ever had the good fortune to witness in the heavens ;
and, hoping to find this mysterious stranger's nature explained and
accounted for by some one well versed in such matters, in haste, I
am, &c., J. W. FLETCHER. Listowel Downs, Tambo, April 26, 1874.
1874, The Sydney Morning
Herald, NSW: Thu 28 May 1874, On the morning of Wednesday, May 20th,
at 8.15, when the Steamer Ballina was about four miles south of Smoky
Cape, I observed a ball of fire about one-third of the diameter of
the moon fall apparently from the end of a dense mass of clouds which
extended from S.W. to W. The meteor was visible for about 4 seconds,
and fell through an arc of 30° perpendicularly, and due west of the
steamer. The motion was slower than that of any meteor I have ever
seen before. When falling it seemed like a balloon coming down wrong
end first, and a bright streak or mark was left in the sky, which
remained visible for about half an hour. No explosion or noise was
heard " H. C. RUSSELL. Sydney Observatory, 26th May.
1874, The Argus,
Melbourne, Vic. : Sat 18 Jul 1874, THE Gulgong Evening Argus, of
July 9, states that between 9 and 11 o'clock, on the evening of the
7th inst., a magnificent shower of meteors was seen at Gulgong. The
day had been warm and genial, but in the even ing it was clear, cold,
and frosty. A few vapoury clouds were hanging in the northern sky.
During the time mentioned scarcely a moment passed without a falling
star being seen. They fell from every quarter of the heavens. Some
were much more brilliant than others.
1874, Launceston
Examiner, Tas. : Thu 30 Jul 1874, METEOR. —A Latrobe
correspondent writes :— "On Saturday evening, the 25th inst.,
at about fifteen minutes past 5 o'clock, and when very few stars were
visible, a large meteor appeared in the western sky passing rapidly
from north to south. It appeared to strike a line almost parallel
with the horizon, and before it disappeared in the distance it burst
into a number of brilliant lights. I am unable to describe the size
of celestial objects, but if the appearance of this meteor had
occurred after dark it would have been spoken of as something grand.
Though it appeared in the western sky where the daylight was still
lingering, it left a bright track of light several seconds after it
burst in the south. I should like to learn whether this meteor was
seen at Circular Head, and whether it appeared to be to the east or
west of the spectator. Possibly your respected correspondent, Mr
Emmett, may have seen it, and if so, he will give us the desired
information." —We observe by the Southern papers that a very
large meteor was seen at Hobart Town on Saturday night, but it is
said "at late hour." The direction it took seems to have
been about south-west.
1874, The Kyneton
Observer, Vic. : Sat 15 Aug 1874, A beautiful meteor shot across
the sky at Ballarat Wednesday night, traversing a distance of,
apprently, about 300 feet.
1874, The Sydney
Morning Herald, NSW : Tue 6 Oct 1874, ADELONG MONDAY. A most
brilliant meteor fell in the eastern sky yesterday evening at forty
minutes past 6 I extended over an arc of forty-five degrees, bursting
about fifteen degrees above the horizon. The track of the meteor
exhibited abroad ribbon of silver. It gradually became wavy and then
vanished. It was a most beautiful sight.
1874, The Goulburn
Herald and Chronicle, NSW : Wed 7 Oct 1874, CROOKWELL. (From our
correspondent. EXTRAORDINARY METEOR.-On Sunday evening, at about a
quarter to seven o'clock, a most extraordinary appearance was
observed in the western sky, following a meteor of unusual
brilliancy. A well-defined streak of brilliant silvery light remained
visible after the flash of the meteor for nearly fifteen minutes. It
was very zig-zag in shape, and extended from near the horizon, where
its body was most brilliant, to about one quarter the distance to the
senith. We have not met with a person who has seen or heard of such
an appearance previously, and we await with much interest an
explanation from astronomical of servers as to the meaning of the
strange phenomenon. REPORT 2 :SINGULAR
METEORIO PHENOMENON. — On Sunday evening at about thirty-two
minutes after six, Sydney time, a meteor, extraordinary in its
brilliancy, but more extraordinary from the appearance it left
behind, was seen from Young and other 11 ices in this district. As
seen from the town it made its appearance suddenly about S.S.W.,
about thirty-five degrees from the zenith, and travelled obliquely to
the W.S.W., till it disappeared below the horizon, which here, on
account of the hills, is considerably circumscribed. Following it was
a luminous train, like the tail of a rocket, a portion of which, from
fifteen to twenty degrees in length, the lovrerend of which was about
tweaty degrees above the horizon, remained. In a second or two this
train, which was at first straight, began to present several angles,
not unlike a streak of forked lightning, the angles being obtuse, but
at the same time sharply defined. Slowly it took a more wavy
appearance, and at the same time the main direction of the line
gradually inclined to the horizon, and when last seen it was an
irregular wavy but perfectly defined slender line, lyingin a
horizontal direction. The color of the meteor was a purple, but in
appearance and color the traip might be. not inaptly, likened to such
a mark as could be made by a phosphorous match in a darkened room,
while the angles and sharpest curve presented some more highly
luminous points. We observed it, watch in hand, for upwards of
fourteen minutes, at the end of which time it was plainly
perceptible, Let other persons who saw it state that nearly twenty
minutes elapsed before its final disappearance. The sky at the time
was perfectly clear, with the exception that there were a few small
dark clouds to the northward. Towards the end of the time there was
just a faint twilight; Venus was getting bright, and a few of the
other stars were becoming faintly visible. We do not know to what the
learned in such matters would ascribe this extraordinary appearance,
but to us it seems probable that it was a streak of vapour created
and left behind by the meteor in its passage, and which, from its
great elevation, caught the last rays of the setting sun, long after
they had ceased to shine upon this portion of the earth. Whatever
might have been the cause it was certainly a strange and beautiful
sight. A gentleman who saw it at Geraldra informs us that thero the
meteor appeared to burst just before reaching the horizon, but the
appearance of the train was similar to what was observed here. The
phenomenon was also seen plainly at Cowra. Government Gazette, REPORT 3: The North
Eastern Ensign, Benalla, Vic. : Fri 9 Oct 1874, AN EXTRAORDINARY
METEOR.—Our Beechworth contemporary says that at about a quarter
past 6 o'clock on Sunday evening last the inhabitants of Beechworth
were treated to a most unusual and beautiful sight.. The sun had set,
and the few minutes of twilight vouchsafed to us in Victoria were
being enjoyed, when suddenly the sky in the N.N.W. was brilliantly
lighted up as by a flash of lightning, lasting for some ten seconds.
About 60 deg. above the horizon in the direction named, a brilliant
and beautiful meteor made its appearance. Its head was somewhat
larger in appearance than even that glorious planet Venus, and in
color it was slightly more delicate if possible. It travelled very
slowly almost perpendicularly to the earth. Behind, it left a
magnificent silvery band, extending almost from where it started to
the horizon. This was wavy in appearance, and at first looked much
like a long string of silvery gos- samer floating in the air, and
wafted by light zephyrs. It held its position long after the meteor
had been lost sight of, and was watched for fully a quarter of an
hour before it finally disappeared. Ever and again it changed its
form until it assumed the shape of a gigantic snake. This appearance
was wonderfully well defined; the head and even the protruding tongue
of the snake could almost be detected at one time, while the body
turned and wriggled in the most natural manner possible. There was
not a cloud observable in the sky at the time, and so a magnificent
view of the phenomenon was obtained. Altogether a more extraordinary
meteor has never come under our notice. Had it fallen after darkness
had fairly set in, the effect must have been truly wonderful, for
even in the twilight its brilliancy made a most apparent effect. We
have not heard of any one in Benalla having seen this strange
phenomenon. REPORT 4: Queanbeyan
Age, NSW : Sat 10 Oct, THE LATE METEOR.—The following description
of the remarkable meteor which was seen in various parts of the
southern district on Sunday evening last, is from a correspondent at
Lanyon :—" A
fine meteor was seen from Lanyon on the evening of Sunday, October 4,
at about half-past six. It travelled almost due west; became visible
about 40 degrees above the Western horizon, and exploded about 25
degrees above the same ; but its further course could not be traced,
as the meteor at the instant of explosion, disappeared behind a hill.
No report was heard. What is unusual about this meteor was the length
of time during which the train that marked its course remained
visible. This train appeared at first as a straight cloudy line, say
10 degrees long; it shortly assumed a cork-screwy form, and
ultimately settled into a semi-circle like the letter C, the upper
and lower portion having slightly advanced to- wards the north, while
the convexity had considerably, moved towards the south. After ten
minutes from the explosion this cloudy appearance began fading, and
at the end of fifteen minutes was hardly visible. The meteor was
travelling in the direction of Tumut, over which town it probably
broke. Should it have been noticed there with
tolerable attention, we might from the two observations, arrive at an
approximate idea of its distance from the earth." Last Thursday
afternoon, shortly before sunset another phenomenon was apparent in
the same position as that of Sunday No meteor was seen ; but a
remarkable dark serpentine cloud appeared in the otherwise cloudless
sky, having the appearance of smoke from an explosion. It was
comparatively near the earth, and after a few changes of form cleared
away, and left no trace whatever behind it. Many are the predictions
as to the consequences of the meteor of Sunday. An old blackfellow
foretells unprecedented floods ; others a long drought. Themore
superstitious say they could read characters in the tortuous trail of
the meteor, reminding them of Nebuchadnezzar's writing on the wall.
The Sydney papers report no appearance of the wonder there It appears
to have been confined to the Southern districts. REPORT 5:, The
Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District
Advertiser, NSW : Sat 10 Oct , GUNDAGAI LOCAL NEWS. On Sunday evening
last, about a quarter before 7 o'clock, a remarkable meteor was seen
here in the western horizon. When first observed it was of a bright
purple colour, seemed about the size of a cricket ball, and was
travelling towards the north-west. This meteor on disappearing left
behind it a long, rope-like trail, which was at first tolerably
straight and of a bright flame colour. Afterwards it changed its
shape and hue and showed like a silver serpent in the evening sky
under the planet Venus. This strange appearance was visible for about
quarter-of-an- hour before it finally faded away. No one here had
before seen such a skyey phenomenon, and many conjectures were
hazarded as to what it portended. Some of the "unco guid"
felt assured that it was sent to warn sinners to repent, and other
more worldly persons concluded that it indicated we are likely to
have a hot, dry summer, basing their belief upon the fact that last
spring, according to accounts received, meteoric appearances were
very common in England, and that during the summer that has concluded
there the thermometer sometimes stood at 120° in the sun, which is
an unwontedly high temperature in the mother country. REPORT 6: The Argus
(Melbourne, Vic. : Mon 12 Oct 1874, AN EXTRAORDINARY METEOR. (FROM THE OVENS AND
MURRAY ADVERTISER, OCT. 6.) About a quarter past six o'clock on
Sunday evening the inhabitants of Beechworth were treated to a most
unusual and beautiful sight. The sun had set and the few minutes of
twilight vouchsafed to us in Victoria were being enjoyed, when
suddenly the sky in the N.N.W. was brilliantly lighted up as by a
flash of lightning, lasting for some 10 seconds. About 60 degrees
above the horizon in the direction named, a brilliant and beautiful
meteor made its appearance. Its head was somewhat larger in
appearance than even the glorious planet Venus, and in colour it was
slightly more delicate if possible. It travelled very slowly almost
perpendicularly to the earth, the angle being very slightly to the
southward. Behind, it left a magnificent silvery band, extending
almost from where it started to the horizon This was wavy in
appearance, and at first looked much like a long string of silvery
gossamer floating in the air, and wafted by light zephyrs. It held
its position long after the meteor had been lost sight of, and was
watched for fully a quarter of an hour before it finally disappeared.
Ever and again it changed its form until it assumed the shape of a
gigantic snake. This appearance was wonderfully well defined. The
head and even the protruding tongue of the snake could almost be
detected at one time, while the body turned and wriggled in the most
natural manner possible. There was not a cloud observable in the sky
at the time, and so a magnificent view of the phenomenon was
obtained. Gradually it seemed to disappear to the northward, borne
away evidently on a gentle breeze prevailing at the altitude where it
was. Altogether a more extraordinary meteor has never come under our
notice. Had it fallen after darkness had fairly set in, the effect
must have been truly wonderful, for even in the twilight its
brilliancy made a most apparent effect. Our Chiltern correspondent
writes to say that the phonomenon was also observable there, and
describes it much as above. The phenomenon was also noticed at
Chiltern, Wagga Wagga, and other places at considerable distances
apart.
1874, Launceston Examiner, Tas. :
Thu 12 Nov 1874, METEORIC PHENOMENA.-A correspon-
dent
residing in the Midland district writes as follows :-" On Sunday
night, at about a quarter to ten, being at Campbell Town, I saw a
vivid flash of light, and on looking towards the sky I noticed a
splendid meteor, a large ball of blue fire shot from the sky, and
burst on approaching the horizon, in a south-eastern direction. It
was a splendid sight; it was a dark night, but when the meteor
appeared it becaome as light as day. Then on Monday night I was down
at Ross, driving, and coming home at about 9 o'clock, as nearly as I
can tell, the horse gave a start, and the place became as light as
day. On glancing at the sky in the same direction as I had done on
Sunday night I beheld a splendid light. The sky seemed to open and
out dropped a ball of fire. It burst and spread itself over a great
distance, and then died out. Four minutes had not elapsed before
another meteor fell of exactly the same descriptions as the previous
one. It was a very dark night, not a star to be seen. I think these
appearances deserve some notice. Perhaps they were not seen in town.
The astronomers are busy taking observations. I expect we shall be
able to get a sight through their instruments soon."
1874, The Sydney Morning
Herald, NSW : Mon 14 Dec 1874, BRILLIANT METEOR. TO THE EDITOR OF THE
HERALD. Sir,-As I was coming down thw hill in Hunter-street, between
Castlereagh-street and Pitt-street, at thirty-three minutes past 10
p.m. on Friday, I observed the most brilliant meteor I ever
witnessed, sweeping across the heavens, in a direction from N. to S.,
and (which is most unusual) in a path very nearly parallel with the
plane of the horizon, and apparently about 35° to 40° above the
horizon. It was visible fully five seconds, and its course was
comparatively slow-slower than any I ever observed. It had a
comet-like tail, and seemed, as it swept along across nearly the
whole of that portion of the sky which was vivible to me between the
face of the Sydeny Morning Herald block on the one hand and the Union
Bank on the other hand, to increase in brilliancy until arriving at a
stage of the most intense incandescence, it burst in a grand
celestial pyrotechnic display and was lost. It would be interesting
to know whether any of its fiery constituents reached the earth, for
it seemed to me that such a burning mass could not all be mere gas,
or of a volatile character. Yours truly, H. N. HARRISON.
1875, Empire, Sydney, NSW
: Wed 6 Jan 1875, One of our staff, while in Newcastle on Saturday
last (says the Maltlond Mercury) saw a very beautiful double meteor
in the western sky, about half-psst ten o'clock. It made its
appearance at a point about thirty-degrees above the horizon, and due
west, and when first seen was a single body, only much larger than
ordinary meteors, but it soon broke into two distinct bodies, which
kept close company till they disappeared. The direction traversed was
northerly. The leading body was the smaller of the two ; the larger,
or main body, being fringed by a beautiful pink tînt, and followed
by a train of sparks. There was an oscillating motion observable
between the two meteors as they passed through the heavens that gave
them a peculiarly interesting
appearance. The phenomenon was in sight for about twelve seconds, and
during that time the earth was illuminated as if by a very bright
skyrocket. The meteor was also seen in Maitland, and we heard it
remarked upon as being exceedingly beautiful, and of a character very
rarely witnessed.
1875, The Argus,
Melbourne, Vic. : Tue 16 Feb 1875, A very brilliant meteor was seen
at Inglewood in the sky on Monday evening,
travelling behind the heavy clouds. Attention was first called to it
by the very bright white light it diffused.
1875, Mount Alexander
Mail, Vic. : Wed 31 Mar 1875, A magnificent meteor shot across the
northern sky last evening about nine o'clock.; It appeared to descsnd
in an oblique line from the bright star a Cassiopea, aiid was
followed by a luminous tail much resembling that emitted by a sky
rocket. The head gradually increased in size and brilliancy as it
apparently neared the earth, and before disappearing; appeared to:
break; into .fragments. One, most singular! feature in this meteor
was that the'luminosity appeared visible like a : thin streak of
light for fully two minutes after the main body had disappeared
from view, and by many was mistaken for a comet. REPORT 2: The Gippsland
Mercury states that "Tuesday night, between 9 and 10 o'clock,
beautiful meteor was observed in the northern heavens. The meteor
shot rapidly from th west, and, when apparently right over the town,
appeared to stop suddenly. It took form resembling a water-lily, and
then hrok into fragments. The reflection remained I the sky for
several seconds afterwards." REPORT 3: The 'Creswick
Advertiser adds :—Its direction was north-west, and it lasted fully
three minutes, leaving a luminous streak observable for some time.
1875, Mount Alexander
Mail, Vic. : Fri 9 Apr 1875, Yesterday morning about 5 o'clock, a
little before daylight, a most magnificent meteor shot across the
sky; ' the direction, appeared to be from west to east, in an almost
straight line. So brilliant, was the stranger that objects at a
considerable distance were distinctly, visible ; . and in size it
resembled a huge ball of fire more than anything else as it sailed
majestically along. The tail was, like the meteor of the 30th inst.,
visible for some considerable time after the neucleus or head had
disappeared ; in appearance it resembled, a thin streak was decidedly
the prettiest meteor which has been seen here for the past two or
three years. It appeared to break into fragments on reaching the
eastern horizon like a huge rocket into myriads of sparkling light's.
1875, The Argus,
Melbourne, Vic. : Fri 16 Apr 1875, A REMARKABLE METEOR. A meteor of
extraordinary size and brilliancy was observed yesterday morning
about half-past 12 o'clock. (15th
April, 1875). It travelled across the sky from the south-western
horizon towards the east, and described almost the entire arc. It is
described by several persons who saw it as being in size nearly as
large as the full moon. It was of a bluish green colour, and was
followed by a long train of golden stars extending over several
degrees. Before it disappeared a flash of flame was emitted from the
body of the meteor, which then diminished in size and went out. It
was in view fully 20 seconds. The phenomenon appears to have been
observed in all parts of the colony and appended we give the accounts
of several observers :- An observer at Toorak says that he saw the
meteor at about 25 minutes past 12. It seemed to loom forth from a
hazy bank of cloud about 20deg. altitude from the western horizon
and then appeared about four times the diameter of Jupiter. It
made right across the zenith, but before reaching it, it gave forth a
brilliant shower of fiery coloured spheres which like itself, each
"coming through heaven like a light that grows larger and
clearer" remained some seconds, until a train was formed
stretching over perhaps 50deg. or 60deg., when the meteor exploded
with a distant yet audible sound at an altitude of about 20deg. or
30deg. from the eastern horizon, having traversed almost the whole
sky in a direct line from west to east, and been visible so long as
to enable several persons to be called out in time to see a great
part of its progress. Mr. Alfred Dennis, writing from St, Kilda,
says that he saw it a few minutes past 12 from the verandah of the
Village Belle Hotel. "Looking towards the sea, I saw a ball
of fire rise as if from the water. In size it appeared about
18in., of an egg shape and it glided so slowly that I called out
others to witness it. A number of small balls broke away and followed
in the same course, forming a train. The colour was a bright blue.
The meteor rose in the south-west and disappeared in the north-east
and was visible about 30 seconds." Another observer, writing
from Anderson's Creek, says he saw the meteor at 25 minutes to 1 a.m.
in the western horizon. It suddenly shot eastward at a great rate,
and as it approached the north the tail increased in length, and then
suddenly broke into small fragments, each fragment appearing about
the size of a 6in. piece of metal. They appeared like so many balls
of fire. As the meteor neared the east the broken tail gradually
disappeared. The meteor itself was visible about a minute,
and after it had disappeared it left a streak of light in the
heavens, which remained for some time. The meteor was followed
instantly by a clap of thunder. Our Avoca correspondent says :- A
very large and brilliant meteor was observed on Thursday morning at
20 minutes past 12, nearly as large as a full moon. It
appeared like a large ball of fire in the west, and travelled direct
to the east-ward. After passing a short distance it burst, and
about 50 small balls of fire appeared, which followed in its course.
It was the grandest sight that has been witnessed for some time.
After the meteor appeared, a noise was heard like the discharge of
heavy artillery in the south." REPORT 2: The M.A. Mail
writes :- "One of the finest meteors ever seen in this colony
passed from the south-western horizon towards the east about
half-past 12 o'clock this (Thursday) morning. It first appeared
like a small point, and gradually progressing east, it increased in
bulk and intensity till it became apparently as large as a full moon,
but far more brilliant. On reaching the zenith it broke into
fragments, and from this spot to the eastern horizon it was followed
by a long train of large, bright sparkles, much the same as a
bomb-shell (firework). On nearing the horizon the ball of fire again
burst, and then disappeared. This was decidedly the prettiest
spectacle which has been witnessed for a long time. Another, but
smaller, meteor was visible a few minutes before this one, but in a
different direction." REPORT 4: A SPLENDID
METEOR. Some time since we recorded the appearance of a beautiful
meteor that appeared early one Sunday evening in the North-Western
sky, but that one was positively eclipsed by one that appeared
about twenty minutes after midnight on Wednesday night. The
brilliancy and peculiar characteristics of this phenomenon were
uuparrallelled in our experience, aud one might live a long life time
and not witness such another glorious exhibition. At the time of its
appearance the moon was just sinking in the west and darkness was
commencing. There was not a cloud to be seen iu the sky, and there
was a strange sense of stillness, there not being sufficient air to
move a leaf. Suddenly to the W.SW. A bright light appeared. This
appeared to rise from the horizon, but this appearance was no
doubt caused by the fact that it was rapidly travelling towards the
town. It appeared to be about the size of the moon as it ordinarily
appears when at full, but it was infinitely brighter, and presented
the appearance at first of a ball of pale bluish fire, shedding a
marvellous lustre all around, resembling in some respects an
exhibition of electric light. It moved on until it appeared to be
above the hills to the west of Newtown and then seemed to burst,
shedding a flood of brilliant sparks which had a fiery tint. The
nebula, if that term may be used to describe the main body of the
meteor, did not burst entirely, but continued on its coarse right
over the town, throwing off in its passage varf showers of the same
kind of sparks which did not appear to travel but remained
stationary, presenting the appearance of an enormous fiery tail
attached to the beautiful pale bluish head. The meteor kept on its
course, travelling as steadily as possible at about the pace of a
crow when flying in a direct line. It was making from the W.S.W.
To E.N.E., and passed directly over the town, so that in watching it
one had to look straight up. It did not seem to he more than a
few hundred feet above the surface of the earth. Its gorgeous tail
seemed to extend in a great band of red sparks right over
Beechworth. The meteor gradually begun to lose its dimensions,
the sparks that were repeatedly being thrown out evidently
affecting its extent, although but slowly. It travelled over the
Red Brill, and gradually assumed the red colour of the tail, and
finally disappeared as a small round red star. The tail remained
for some little time, but slowly faded away, and then all was once
more dark or still for a minute or two. After the lapse of that time
a scries of loud reports, resembling somewhat the, rapid discharge of
very heavy artillery as heard from a great distance, were
noticed. Many thought that this was thunder, bnt as there was no
cloud to he seen, it could hardly he so, being too loud to admit
of the hypothesis that it was the report of electric discharges from
clouds that were not visible. Others, again, thought that the
sounds bore a resemblance to that produced by a shock of an
earthquake. In connection with this meteor it may be remarked
that it was extraordinary, not only from its appearance, but from the
nature of its movements. It appeared to be independent of the law of
gravitation, and travelled in a direct line at a very low altitude,
aud parallel with the earth's surface. Altogether it was one of the
most remarkable sights we have ever witnessed. A correspondent thus
describes the phenomenon : — " At about 20 minutes past 12
o'clock on Thursday morning lust a most extraordinary phenomenon
appeared in the western heavens, about 20 degrees above tho horizon.
"When first observed it appeared to be nearly as large as the
moon, and lit up the whole heavens with a light somewhat like
that given out by the combustion of aluminium. After apparently
standing for a few seconds, the meteor burst somewhat as a rocket
would, but giving out a shower of sparks equal to about 50
rockets. Thou what might he called the main body of the meteor
took its way slowly across the heavens till it was lost in the
eastern horizon, its whole path being marked by sparks dropping from
it in large numbers. The meteor passed over Beechworth from west
to east, and at a very low altitude. In about a minute after
it disappeared a low rumbling noise, as of distant thuuder,
was heard travelling along the path of the meteor. At the time
the heavens were beautifully clear, not a cloud to be seen, nor a
breath of wind stirring. All those who saw this wonderful appearance
say that no earthly pyrotechnic display could equal it in beauty and
grandeur." REPORT 5: A meteor of
extraordinary brilliancy was observed in Kyneton at about
half-past 12 on Thursday morning. It appearance almost simultaneously
illuminated every object for a considerable distance around, aud many
were startled by the sudden transition from darkness into intense
light. This is the second meteor which has been observed in Kyneton
within the last eight days. We notice from our exchanges that the
meteor was seen in many other parts of the colony. The "Argus"
says it travelled across the sky from the south-western horizon
towards the east, and described an almost entire arc. It
was described by several persons who saw it to be in size nearly as
large as a full moon. It was of a bluish green color, and was
followed by a long train of golden stars extending over several
degrees. Before it disappeared a flash of flame was emitted from the
body of the meteor, which then diminished in size and went out. It
was in view fully 20 seconds! The phenomenon appears to have been
observed in all parts of the colony.
1875, Border Watch
(Mount Gambier, SA : Wed 28 Apr 1875, A VERY large and beautiful
meteor was observed here on Sunday evening shortly after 8 o'clock.
It was in the northern sky, and its course was nearly east to
west.
1875, The Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : Sat 26 Jun 1875, A,
splendid meteor was witnessed here by many'1 persons on Monday
evening between the hours of eight and nine. It sailed
magnificently across the eastern sky, and was visible for. some 20
seconds. Its direction was from north to south, And its brilliant
coloring was in fine contrast to the comparatively, feeble light of
the moon, though little pass the full.
1875, Border Watch (Mount
Gambier, SA : Sat 17 Jul 1875, A VERY brilliant meteor was seen here
on Wednesday between 5 and 6 p.m., flying across the north-eastern
sky.
1875, Evening News
(Sydney, NSW : Sat 31 Jul 1875, Appearance of a Meteor. A
correspondent informs us that at twenty minutes past 11 o'clock last
night, he witnessed a very brilliant meteor pass across the sky from
north-west to the south-east. Another person states that he saw
something like a spark, closely resembling a meteor, pass through the
air at the time stated, in a south by east to south by west
direction. That is from the Magellan cloud to the Flying Fish. At the
time the sky was clear and the weather beautifully fine.
1875, Gippsland Mercury (Sale, Vic. :
Tue 14 Sep 1875, On Saturday week last, between 9 and 10 o'clock, a
gentleman in Foster-street; observed a magnificent meteor, which shot
along the sky from the south-east to the north-west. When about 50
deg. from the horiion, and apparently just ever the police paddock,
the meteor burst into countless fragments of many colours.
1875, The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : Thu
6 Jan 1876, A few weeks ago, during midnight, in company with a
friend, we were struck with the numerous meteors that were passing
along the Heavens, the sky being cloudless. This was followed a day
or two afterwards with extraordinary boisterous weather similar, in
some respects to its character at the present moment.-I am, &.c., Northcote, Jan. 5. C. F.
BRADLY.
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