METEORS. 165 



velocity is now regarded by astronomers as a real fact, 

 because the observations which had been considered as 

 doubtful have been confirmed by what has been proved 

 respecting certain meteoric systems. There is such a 

 perfect accordance between the estimated and the actual 

 speed with which the August and November meteors 

 pass through our atmosphere that estimates of the yet 

 higher velocities with which some meteors move cannot 

 be looked on with suspicion. We shall presently see 

 also that there are independent reasons for believing in 

 these amazing velocities. 



Let me premise that Dr. Mayer, in his celebrated 

 inquiry into the part which meteors play in the 

 economy of the universe, has set the excessive 

 velocities of some meteors among the mysteries of the 

 Cosmos, and that, so far as I am aware, no explana- 

 tion has ever been given of the phenomenon. 



Still there are two explanations which seem to be 

 available, though one only, as I judge, is of itself 

 sufficient to account for the peculiarity we are 

 considering. Probably both must in any case be 

 admitted. 



The first relates to a fact which is itself among the 

 most amazing with which astronomers have to deal. 

 All the stars are in rapid motion, though seemingly 

 fixed. Amidst those depths where all appears at rest 

 motions are taking place which are so rapid that the 

 mind is utterly unable to conceive them. Masses 

 millions of times larger than our earth are urging 

 their swift career through space with velocities com- 



