78 Prof. E. Loomis on the Aurora of 1859. 
In vol. xxx, pp. 80-82, of this Journal, observations are pub- 
lished showing an unusual disturbance of the magnetic instru- 
ments throughout the whole of the Russian empire, but no men- 
tion is made of any aurora. The preceding observations show 
that during this period the sky was generally overcast at each 
of the Russian stations. 
6. ater nig of the Aurora of Aug. 28th and 29th, 1859, made in 
Australia ; furnished by Mr. James Guaisuer, of the Greenwich Ob- 
serva ws ory. . 
wellote and shades of dark and light green, and with here and there a 
small dark Rloud. jutting in; elsewhere the circumpolar stars glittered 
like diamonds set in an emerald and ruby ground. The phenomenon 
had for 30 minutes a most magnificent appearance, the bands being in 
complete repose, forming a truncated cone of glory, the apex of which, 
if projected, would have terminated in the zenith. This brilliant storm 
appeared aga in about 94 30™ p.M., Aiden in brisk coruscations of 
most beautiful color gE the horizon to the zenith. 
A second display fee sa hl appeared on the pee of Sept. 2d, 
ely brilliant Ne exte and less transitory. Fro x ia to 
M. the aurora broke oat 2 flickering streamers and c 
forcing in the zenith a well defined corona, which shortly after or Tosa 
diffused and then dis d. 
B. Observations at Cape Otway, lat. 30° 51'S., long 143° 50/E. 
Aurora most magnificent at 64 30™ p. m. and continued 
visible until after 2 a. m., displaying itself in the form of a rainbow, 
are extending to about 60° or 70°, First color above the horizon a li ght 
blue with a tint of green, blending into second, a very light yellow, again 
blending into third, a deep red. 
©. Observations at Portland, lat. 38° 20’ ey long. 141° 55’ E. 
Aug. 29th. Aurora visible at 6 40™ p. At 7 p.m, a bright band 
~— tinged iv blue and pink, standing © and W., pink rays con- 
erging to a centre on the band a ren “ oe W. of the Milky Way. 
Gradually faded, and all disappeared by 
_D. Obse ~ ions vd Bay Otedicie. lat. 37° 49’ S., long 145° 
sumed so violent a character that the intensity at times, and the inclina- 
tion very frequently, could not be registered, the scales being out of the 
