Meteoric Shower of 1836. 391 



" During the evening, but few meteors were observed, but from 

 eight o'clock until near the dawn, successive flashes were observed 

 in the east, supposed by some to be lightning. At eight o'clock, a 

 very beautiful auroral light was seen of a pinkish color. This con- 

 tinued for a short time only, although a general luminous appearance 

 in the north remained during the niofht. 



" About two o'clock in the morning, several meteors were seen to 

 dart across the Great Bear, and from this time constant watch was 

 kept up until day light. From two to three o'clock, ninety eight 

 meteors were counted, some being very small, but the greater num- 

 ber of great size and brilliancy, resembling a rocket both in the ex- 

 plosion and trail left behind, — the trails lasting in some instances for 

 nearly two minutes. 



" With two or three exceptions, the course of the meteors was di- 

 vergent from a point in Leo, Declination 20°, Right ascension 150°, 

 nearly. The place of this point was fully confirmed during the night. 

 " From three to four o'clock, one hundred and fifty meteors were 

 counted, and three hundred in all were enumerated. After this 

 lime we kept no account of the number though many more appear- 

 ed. From the situation of the observer it is probable that more than 

 half escaped notice. Several were seen in the clear light of the 

 dawn ; and Jupiter, Venus, and Mars, all shining with great brill- 

 iancy, were alternately outshone by these transient rivals. No doubt 

 now exists in the mind of the writer, as to the distinct and peculiar 

 character of the phenomenon ; for, though an attentive observer of 

 such matters, he has never seen any thing bearing the slightest re- 

 semblance to this display, except on the night of Nov. 12-13thj 

 1832, when he had the good fortune to observe the same appear- 

 ance while at sea, oiF the harbor of Pernambuco, one year before 

 the far famed shower of 1833. G. O. S." 



V. Observations at Newark, New Jersey. From the Newark 

 Daily Advertiser. 



This account much resembles the foregoing, as might be expected 

 from the proximity of the two places of observation. The writer 

 remarks, that previous to two o'clock a few shooting stars were 

 seen, but no more than on ordinary occasions. After that however, 

 there was a decided increase. In an hour and a half he counted 

 about seventy five, although his field of view took in only 60 de- 

 grees. After four o'clock, their succession was less frequent, and 

 they continued to diminish in number until the dawn of day. He 

 thinks the whole number that fell was not less than four hundred. 



