[ 593 1 
At iK so', that Part of the Heavens where the 
Aurora Borealis had fhone forth, was no ways dif- 
ferent from the reft j and the only Light in the Sky 
proceeded from the Stars, and the Moon, which was 
now up. 
I had at other times obferved fome luminous Ap- 
pearances in the Heavens, which may be referred, in 
fome meafure, to the Oafs of the Bkuenomenon above 
deferibed ; but I was of Opinion, that the Memory 
of this ought to be preferved with the greater Dili- 
gence, as it far furpafled all that preceded it in Mag- 
nitude, Light, Figure, Colours, and Duration. 
3. Defcription of an Aurora Borealis obferved at 
the Obfervatory of the Inftitute of Bononia, the 
Night of the 777 of December 1737. By dDr. Eu- 
ftachio Zanotti, 1 Deputy Brofejfor of Aftronomy 
Tranftated from the Italian by T. S. M. T). F. R. S. 
T H E Aurora Borealis , which was formerly a 
rare Bheenomenon , and almoft unknown in 
this our Climate, is now become very frequent. In 
Bononia a great Number have been obferved for fome 
Years paft, as appears by the Regifter of the Obfer- 
vations made in this Inftitute . This time it was fo 
very remarkable, that I do not think any one 
remembers to have ever feen the like. As to its 
Extent, it fpread fo as to occupy about 140 Degrees 
of the Heavens : And, as to its Light, it was fo vivid, 
as by it to diftinguifh Houfes at a great Diftance ; which 
feemed of a ted Colour, and made fome People 
at- 
