r 594 1 
attribute this Light to a Fire in the Neighbourhood, 
But when they were allured what it was, they re- 
mained no lets frighted, fuperftitioully believing it 
impolfible, that fuch an uncommon Light, and of a 
red Colour too, like Blood, fhould appear in the 
Sky without prefaging fome unhappy Accident. 
While the whole City was intent upon viewing this 
new Appearance, I and fome young Gentlemen were 
employed in calculating the Ephemerides ; and, being 
apprifed thereof, we jointly began to take Obfer- 
vations of it. This uncommon Light drew to the 
Obfcrvatory feveral others, that were ufed to come at 
other times. But I fhall only relate what is entered 
upon the Regifter of Aftronomical Obfervations, 
leaving to thofe who are fond of philofophical Hy- 
pothefes, to inveftigate its Caufe according to their 
Fancy. 
7 h . 9'. p. m. When we firft perceived the Aurora, 
Borealis , its Centre was near the North Pole. The 
Brightnefs extended along the Horizon about 70 De- 
grees, and its Height was judged 20 Degrees. The 
Sky was almoft totally overcaft with Clouds, but the 
Light was vifible in feveral Parts, where the Sky was 
clear. The Two Stars, £ and g, of the Great Bear, 
fhone bright in the midft of the reddifh Light of the 
Aurora. 
7^. 34'. No Change having happened for fome 
time, the Light now appeared fomewhat weaker, and 
removed from its Place ; for its Centre was no longer 
in the North, but palfed Weftward [N. W.]. The 
Stars, £ and g, were Hill vifible, but more Eaftward, 
with rclpcft to that Part where the Light was brighteft. 
7 h - 
