eS ez 
x 
- the main body, and this finally divided into a large number. of 
estimate of its density, yet it is doubtful whether it exceeded that 
combustion. The meteor, by rapid motion through the upper 
regions of the air, generated heat sufficient to set itself on fire, 
and it was probably entirely consumed in the space of ten seconds. 
Nothing is learned to have fallen to the earth from the meteor, 
as would probably have been the case if its density had not been 
exceedingly feeble. Moreover, .the appearances were those of a 
tly entirely consumed by combustion. But a body, three quar- 
ters of a mile in diameter, entirely consumed in ten seconds, 
must be supposed exceedingly combustible and of very feeble 
density. 
my communication through | the Cleveland papers, was, whether 
any noise attended the meteor. ‘To this question most observers 
replied decidedly in the negative. ‘Two persons only represent 
that they heard a noise. One observer in Ohio, states that his 
attention was attracted by the light, and a whizzing noise resemb- 
the burning of a slow match af powder ; and an observer in 
the State of New York,. states the same fact. Now it would be 
altogether superfluous to give reasons for doubting the fact as thus 
stated, yet it is demonstrable that if such a noise was heard, it did 
not proceed from the meteor. At its nearest approach, the meteor 
was one hundred and sixty two miles distant from the first observer, 
and seventy six miles from the second. At the latter place, then, 
supposing, for simplicity, sound to travel at the same rate in rare 
as in deve air, the sound, if any, should have been heard about 
six minutes after the disappearance of the meteor, and at the for- 
mer place more than twelve minutes. There was little i 
therefore for one’s attention to be attracted to the meteor bya 
whizzing noise proceeding from it. The noise alledged existed 
doubtless solely in the imagination. I by no means pronounce it 
impossible that sound may have come from the meteor; but if 
a report did follow, it would come after so long an interval, that 
few would think.of attributing it to the meteor. 
Let us-*now compare the direction of the meteor’s path with 
the earth is moving i is of course in the ecliptic, and nearly 90° 
west of the ‘sun. At the time in question, it was about eight 
. * 
a \ “a on Shooting Stars in general. “opi 
fragments. We have, perhaps, no means of forming any precise 
of atmospheric air. 'The light was, without doubt, produced by _ 
One of the points respecting which I solicited sa deieaadicteai in 
that of the earth in its orbit. The point in space towards which 
