RECORD OF AURORAL PHENOMENA. 79 



It commenced much in the usual manner, by forming an arch from IF". 2f. W. to E. N. E. and 

 then soared rapidly to the zenith, where the streams of light rolled into each other, and exhibited 

 brilliant colors of purple, pink, and green. It then became diffused over the sky generally, 

 leaving about 8° of clear space between it and the northern and southern horizons. 

 From this tranquil state it again poured out coruscations from all parts, which shot up to the 

 zenkh and formed a splendid cone of rays, blending pink, purple, and green colors in all their 

 varieties. This singular and beautiful exhibition lasted only a few miuutes, and then the light 

 became diffused over the sky in a bright haze." — Beechey, 2, 538-39. 



Fort Good Hope.— Lat. 67° 28' 21" N. Long. 130° 54' 38" W. September, 1849. Hooper. 



" 27th. At night we observed a fine Aurora spreading all over the sky, and having very little move- 

 ment." — Hooper's Journal, p. 153. 



At Sea.— Lat. G8° 19' 45" N. Long. 66° 5' 45" W. September 12, 1820. Parry. 



"Soon after lOh. p. m., the Aurora Borealis made its appearance. I am indebted to Captain 



Sabine for the following description of this phenomenon : — 

 'The Aurora was visible for upwards of half an hour, its appearance being comprised within about 

 twelve points of the heavens from S.E. by E. to W. by K, the magnetic north being about 

 N. 76° W. 



The character of this phenomenon was peculiar, being distinguished from those which we were 

 accustomed to see at Melville Island, by the far greater rapidity with which it spread and 

 shifted from one part of the heavens to another ; by the depth and vividness of the colors, both 

 of red and green, with which its coruscations were tinted ; and'by its streamers breaking out 

 unexpectedly in places previously obscure, and extending indifferently downwards as well as 

 upwards. The latter distinction was contrasted with the more usual appearance of rays stream- 

 ing towards the zenith from an arch of faintly brilliant light.' 



An Aurora of similar appearance was observed in the Atlantic during the return of the Isabella, 

 in October, 1818, from Davis's Strait to Shetland. The peculiarities of the present phenomenon 

 were more marked in the commencement than towards the conclusion of its appearance." — 1 

 Parry, 291-2. 



At Sea.— Lat. 68° 19' N. Long. 60° 5' W. September 13, 1820. Fisher. 



"The Aurora was seen last night streaming very beautifully from west to southeast; in the latter 

 direction its motions were very rapid, and its colors were also very brilliant. The prevailing 

 color was a light yellow; but the outer edge of those coruscations, that streamed towards the 

 zenith, appeared at differeut times of a light purple hue." — Fisher, p. 285. 



Behring's Sea.— Lat. 68° 30' N. Long. 167° W. August 25, 1826. Beechey. 



" The night of the 25th was clear and cold, with about four hours' darkness, during which we beheld 

 a brilliant display of the Aurora Borealis, which was the first time that phenomenon had been 

 exhibited to us in this part of the world. It first appeared in an arch extending from W. by N. 

 to N. E. magnetic (by the north). 

 The arch, shortly after it was formed, broke up ; but united again, threw out a few coruscations, 

 and then entirely disappeared. Soon after, a new display began in the direction of the western 

 foot of the first arch, preceded by a bright flame, from which emanated coruscations of a pale 

 straw color. An almost simultaneous movement occurred at both extremities of the arch, until a 



