Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-01-01
Meteoric shower of November ID.


Meteoric shower of November ID.
Mr.. JAMES G. BENNETT
l have been favored with a copy OF the Appen-
dix TO the American Journal of Science for January
which contains an interesting account of this remark
able phenomenon, witnessed by distinguished
Astronomical Professor. l shall make few extracts
in the language of the writer.
My attention first directed to the pheHome-
of the falling stars by the magnificent exhibition
of 1888 which YET fresh in the recollection Of many
of nv readers. similar display had been witnessed
by Humboldt in South America, on the 10Th of Nov.
1893; and was induced TO believe that the recur-
of this phenomenon annual. Careful obssr-
vausn for years has fully convinced me of the ruth
of this hypothesis. During November of the present
year as several of my pupils seemed disposed 10 in
vesugate the subject with zeal, determined TO avail
myself OF thor services for more extensive collec-
ton of facts Accordingly, one individual was APP
pointed TO al an early hour for some mornings
previous 10 the 18th November TO watch the appear
ance of the heavens Others, who volunteered Their
services were furnished with a barometer and other
instruments for asceraining the variations in the state
of the atmosphere temperature, dc. The result OF
all these observations was most successful and
curately stated in a table bellows As the planet IL
pIter was then visible, comparison could easily be
made between II and the meleors, many of which
were found exceed il N size. The point of radla
ton observed to be as heretofore IN the constel
lafion Leo ueually commencing IN the star Agol and
slowly advancing according to the aforementioned
table.
These observations, h .wever were bat introductory
10 the splendid display with which our young astrono-
mers were soon 10 be grathed.
The morning of the 18th was unpleasant, and
throughout the forenoon the prospect seemed dark;
nj about md day, however, a sth northwest winu
dispelled the threatening clouds from the ARMAMENT
and Sol once more unveiled his gones. AT an early
hour in the evening a watch was organized and re-
spective places assigned 10 different individuals. The
object of this that each observer might attend 10
particular q1arter of the heavens and note all that
happened there; or rather, two were stationed toge-
Their, one of whom should observe whilst the other
noted down the observations The meteorlc Patrele
If 1 may call this company of my enthusiastic
young friends observed tive or three large meteors
before IL o'clock though this of course was nothing
unusual. As the time for Lees rlsiRg was about 5
o'clock little expected previous 10 that hour. At
- therefore, the whole company of observers assem-
bled al my hosse, and refreshed themselves with a
little coffee &C. before dispensing to Their severas sta
tons. While thus engaged we heard music Of an
uncommon tone and sweetness; but whether II pro-
ceeded from falling bodies, (snce they are supposed
10 be accompanied by sound) or from a moonlight
serenade, am unable 20 determine. Several ladies'
of the city have since informed that they heard
the same mellifuous tones which rather confirms
the first supposltion since know of nothing so like
the falling stars, as the bright emanatsns from a
ladys couHtenance. At about halfpast three the
meteors commenced falling IN profusion and con-
tinusd 10 do until STA In consequence OF the
moons brightness, the phenomenon was much less
striking than on former occasions; however COM
parson OF observations showed that nearly thScc hum
dred falling stars had been counted. One OF my pu-
pills and m ysef oh served than seventy of unu-
sual size IN short period of time Another student
who is with the heavens and could watch
with alacrty, informed me that he saw nj lesst l56
with bright luminous trains; some OF which were
two-thirds of The SIZE Of the moon.
The general appearance was that of fire ball or
some underlined or fantastic luminous mas, succeed
ed by phosphoric lines and numerous scinhlla tons-
Each meteor remained IN sight but few seconds and
then exploded n height estimated in cases
% miles The trains appeared luminous for long
time from the great heat TO which they had been sub
jected, and usually went eastward like clouds, and
sometimes with velocity OF sOO miles per hour Al
these circumstances 20 20 confirm the theory which
have before advanced that there Is body IN revolt.
tion which annually approaches the earth al time
when the latter % moving IN tangent TO her orbit to-
wards the sickle OF Leo. The zodaIcal light which
believe 10 be this body is moving at that seasos in
the suns equator. This light was observed IN the
last for several mornings previous 10 the 18th, rising
like the train Of comet has not yet been seen ~
the west where Il should appear after twilight until
May confident, however, that u 70 then. lew
evenings after the falling Of the meteors magnificent
aurora appeared, which was somewhat obscured by
clouds The variations of the needle and barometer
were accurately noticed and hope hereafter TO show
that the aursra boreas, well rs the spots on the
which were numerous and large on the l3th iith
&c Of November, are 10 be attributed 70 one and the
same cause with the zodIacal light and shooting stars.
We have here opened TO view aew and glorious
world al each revolution of which darkness gathers
on the sans dlsc or the meteorc glare flashes along
the sky-and we know not what wonders time may
reveal.
II appears that nothing unusual was observed on
the 18th November at Western Reserve College or
at the south and also that many netesrs have been
seen since that time. A careful examination will show
that these facts do not initiate against my theory
Much credit 10 due 10 my youthful friends whom
shall mention personally with their harornetrcs and
other observations in article which intend soon
10 publish"
have sent you these brief extracts that you might
be able to communicate this information yosr read
ers al an early date. LEO.
thinh unnecessary copy This tsbe-th. met,
ranged from n - 81 " and from 20 100
seen daily.