A VOYAGE TO THE RINGED PLANET, 63 



saw that this was actual sunlight. The earth's globe 

 at this time presented a marvellous appearance. Its 

 apparent diameter was about four times as great as the 

 moon's (not as then appearing to us, but as she 

 appears when seen from the earth) ; but all round this 

 large dark disc we could see a ruddy light of extreme 

 brightness, and growing gradually brighter as we 

 receded. At length, while the earth's disc was still 

 ten or twelve times larger than that of the sun or 

 moon as seen from the earth, we could perceive that the 

 red light was as bright as the rising sun. It was 

 indeed actually the sun, rising into our view; but 

 instead of rising opposite one part only of the earth's 

 dark disc, the sun was rising (if I may use the 

 expression) all round the earth ; only in one or two 

 places the bright red ring was interrupted, and opposite 

 these regions the red glare beyond was somewhat 

 fainter. But what seemed to us an amazing circum- 

 stance was to see the sun actually transformed into a 

 red ring of light, having an apparent diameter more 

 than three times greater than that which he ordinarily 

 presents. This must appear so incredible, that I fear 

 many may be disposed to consider that we were in 

 some way deceived ; or even, in consequence of the 

 doubts thus suggested, to disbelieve this narrative 

 altogether ; but it is my intention to describe what we 

 actually witnessed, without inquiring how far it may 

 seem likely or unlikely to those whom this narrative 

 may reach. . 



I would willingly enter upon X.'s ingenious explana- 



