5oo 



SCIENTIFIC RECREATIONS. 



twice that ; then bending back, they fall again upon the sun like the jets of our 

 fountains. Then they spread into figures resembling gigantic trees, more or 

 less rich in branches." We give seme illustrations of the appearances of 

 these prominences. 



Fig. 550. Solar prominences. 



The zodiacal light is often observed. It is a glow, and frequently of 

 a rosy tint. It may be seen in England in March or April before sunset, 

 or in the autumn before sunrise; and it is doubtful whether it be a terrestrial 

 or an extra-terrestrial light a lens-shaped object surrounding the sun. 

 Some philosophers maintain that the light is caused by multitudes of minute 



