ORIGIN OF LUMINOUS METEOR TRAINS 



x 95 



Fig. 4. Double Trains observed at the Palisades Observatory, N. Y. The 

 trains are drawn as they appeared in a telescope ; the double appearance is probably 

 due to greater luminosity on the border of the train. 



Among the astronomers who have made important observations of 

 these trains are Mr. W. F. Denning, of Bristol, England, the acknowl- 

 edged authority on meteors; the late Professor A. S. Herschel, who 

 died about two years ago, the last of the three great Herschels; and a 

 number of other well known astronomers, members of a committee 

 especially organized by the British Astronomical Association for the 

 observation and study of meteors. On the European continent Pro- 

 fessors J. F. J. Schmidt and G. Von Niessl have contributed a great 

 deal to the subject of meteoric astronomy. In the United States the late 



Fig. 5. Comet-like Train seen by Professor E. E. Barnard, November 14, 

 1901. A as" it appeared at 3:10 a.m., B at 3:40 a.m. The drawings are copies of 

 sketches sent to the author by the observer. 



