eS5T*«»ki_ ~* 



Magnificent Meteor seen on the 27th of November, 1862. 425 



The meteor was somewhat kite-shaped, being* nearly equal 

 to the moon in breadth, and above twice her apparent diameter 

 in length. (This estimate being taken by looking at the 

 meteor and the moon at the same time.) 



The light was an intense blue, but only intensely bright in 

 the front, mostly as a crescent, but occasionally expanding to 

 almost a circle ■ the remaining portion milky -white, and dim in 

 comparison. 



A train of sparks was left in its path, yet these only lasted 

 from one to two seconds ; balls of a blue colour, of large size 

 (almost equal to the apparent diameter of Mars), also fell from 

 the head of the meteor, perpendicularly downwards, not con- 

 tinuously but at frequent intervals (more especially between j3 

 Ceti and Fomalhaut). These balls threw out other smaller 

 balls, which burst into star-like sparks of a yellowish colour, 

 not unlike the shower seen from a rocket at a distance, but 

 infinitely more beautiful. 



The meteor gradually increased in size, but not uniformly ; 

 an occasional decrease in size and brightness taking place. It 

 vanished at its maximum brightness, not bursting, but as if 

 going behind some opaque body. 



I did not see the commencement, owing to a building ; but 

 from the testimony of the Grantham stationmaster (who was on 

 the other side) it must have commenced very near to where I 

 first saw it : if the path were produced backwards, it would 

 almost cross the Pleiades. My view commenced near a Ceti, 

 and after progressing some distance the meteor passed almost 

 over /3 Ceti, and then immediately above Fomalhaut, vanishing* 

 4° beyond this star, and about 5° above my horizon. 



This meteor gave a very strong impression that it was a 

 non-luminous body — the light being produced by the friction of 

 its velocity on the air. 



Mr. H. P. Finlayson saw this meteor from Sandgate, near 

 Dover, and his remarks add great interest to this appearance. 

 They are — 



" Hour of first appearance. — 5h. 47m. 5s. p.m., G.M.T. 

 Duration. — Not more than 4s. or 5s. 

 Motion. — Slow. 

 Greatest diameter. — 0° 13'. 

 Greatest length. — 0° 26'. 

 Colour. — White, but reflected light bluish. 

 Form. — Kite-shaped, or what are called c Prince Rupert's 

 Drops/ 



Position of appearance. — R.A. 23h. - S. Dec. 7°. 

 Position of explosion or disappearance. — R.A. 20h. 40m. ; 

 S. Dec. about 25°. 



" Although the moon was extremely bright and clear its light 



VOL. II. NO. VI. G G 



