observed at Woolwich on the Night of Jan. 7th, 1831. J29 



external luminous bow nearly to the zenith. At a quarter 

 before ten, an immense faint stream of light kindled in the 

 eastern extremity of the external bow, and flashed directly 

 between the two large stars in the tail of Ursa Major, and in 

 one moment described an arch of 100. This streamer was 

 not undulatory, but advanced gradually and steadily, leaving 

 the whole of its track, for about a minute, in a steady glow of 

 faint light : it then languished in every part, at nearly the 

 same moment, gliding into still fainter light, and soon became 

 entirely lost. About this time faint undulatory streams of 

 light sprang from various parts of the central aurora, and 

 sometimes broad streaks of wavering light were seen glowing 

 in the black area near the horizon. These latter displays, 

 however, were not frequent, but on account of the contrasting 

 blackness with which they were surrounded, appeared more 

 brilliant than those flashes which occurred on the upper skirts 

 of the aurora. 



At a quarter past ten, beautiful streamers were seen kind- 

 ling upon the western limb of the superior arch of the aurora, 

 some of which instantly expanded into an attenuated light, 

 which became extinct at a short distance from the point of 

 their origin ; whilst others, more permanent and brilliant in 

 their display, stretched forth to an amazing distance in the 

 heavens, and extended their lambent glow to beyond the 

 planet Mars ; but, like those which had before measured a vast 

 arch of the heavens from the eastern limb, they in a few mo- 

 ments vanished for ever. 



Soon after these displays of extensive streamers, there 

 seemed a steady pause, as if the electrical powers which gave 

 them birth had become partially exhausted. The steady light 

 of the two concentric arches, with a few faint flashes about 

 their edges, were the only traces of the aurora. The cessation 

 however was not of long duration, but the interval gave time 

 for reflection. The night was calm and serene, not a breeze 

 ruffled its repose, nor a cloud curtained any part of the hea- 

 vens, save that dense black speck which seemed as a nucleus 

 to the whole display of the aurora borealis. The atmosphere 

 was cold and frosty, and the stars shone in all their splendour 

 and glory. On turning towards the south, the spectacle pre- 

 sented to the eye was truly grand and imposing, and formed a 

 most beautiful and striking contrast with the phenomena dis- 

 playing in the north. Taurus had passed the meridian, pre- 

 ceded by the planet Mars, and Orion was now mounting the 

 throne of night ; refulgent Sirius blazed in the south-east of 

 the stellar train, and enhanced the splendour and solemnity 

 of the scene. In one part of the heavens was displaying the 

 N.S. Vol. 9. No. 50. Feb. 1831. S quivering 



