RECORD OF AURORAL PHENOMENA. (J5 



increased in brilliancy; the stars shone bright; not a cloud to be seen. At eleven, the Aurora 

 became less brilliant, and the sky again obscured with mist. The horizon continued hazy till two 

 next morning, when the Aurora was again seen very brilliant in the zenith." — 1 John Ross 

 (Robertson), App. 120. 



Winter Island.— Lat. G6° 11' 25" N. Long. 83° 10' W. December, 1821. Lyon. 



"As we now had seen the darkest, although not by many degrees the coldest, season of the year, it 

 may not be irrelevant to mention the beautiful appearance of the sky at this period. 



The Aurora Rorealis does not appear affected by the brilliancy even of the full moon, but its light 

 continues still the same. The first appearance of this phenomenon is generally in showers of 

 falling rays, like those thrown from a rocket, although not so bright. These, being in constant 

 and agitated motion, have the appearance of trickling down the sky. Large masses of light 

 succeeded next in order, alternating from a faint glow, resembling the milky way, to the most 

 vivid flashes, which stream and shoot in every direction with the effect of sheet lightning, except 

 that after the flash the Aurora still continues to be seen. 



The sudden glare and rapid bursts of these wondrous showers of fire render it impossible to observe 

 them without fancying that they produce a rushing sound ; but I am confident there is no actual 

 noise attending the changes, and that the idea is erroneous. I frequently stood for hours together 

 on the ice, to ascertain this fact, at a distance from any noise but my own breathing, and thus I 

 formed my opinion. 



Neither did I observe any variety of color in the flashes, which were to my eye always of the same 

 shade as the milky way and vivid sheet lightning. 



The stars which gleam through the Aurora certainly emit a milder ray, as if a curtain of the finest 

 gauze were interposed. 



It is remarkable that whenever the weather is calm, the Aurora has a tendency to form an arch at 

 whatever position it may occupy in the heavens. 



On the 29th of this month, we were particularly gratified by a beautiful exhibition of this kind at 

 near midnight. A perfect arch was formed to the southward, stretching from cast to west; its 

 centre elevated about 2° above the horizon. 



The night was serene and dark, which added considerably to its effect, and the appearance con- 

 tinued unchanged for about a quarter of an hour; hut, on a slight breeze springing up, small 

 rays shot occasionally to the zenith, and the arch became agitated with a gentle and undulating 

 motion, after which it spread irregularly, and, separating into the usual streamers, soon diffused 

 itself over the whole sky. 



In stormy weather, the Northern Lights fly with the rapidity of lightning, and with a corresponding 

 wildness to the gale which is blowing, giving an indescribable air of magic to the whole scene." 

 —Lyon, pp. 99-101. 



May 30, 1822. 



" Iu the afternoon, a most singular phenomenon was observed in the heavens. The western sky was 

 blue and cloudless, while overhead it was hazy, and abounding in what sailors call 'mackerel and 

 mares' tails.' The division of colors was by a most perfect arch, the legs of which stood in the 

 N. E. and S. W. A strong breeze from the westward did not in any way affect the edge of the 

 bow, which was clearly defined. 

 With the legs stationary, the whole clouded part receded, or fell slowly to the eastward, in the 

 same manner as the hood of a carriage is thrown back, until by degrees, and after the expiration 

 of two hours, the sky was all of the same pure azure as had at first been seen in the west. A 

 strong wind continued blowing all night." — Ibid., p. 204. 



