The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-03-10

EARTHQUAKES AND COMETS IN hDVANCE-IhE MIL
LENIUM APPROACHING. is certainly most re-
markable epoch in the history OF the world. We
hear OF tremendous earthquakes in all quarters OF
the earth, and even the domnons of the great ocean
are shaken. In single earthquake, at the Island
OF Martinique, 10000 lives are said to have been
lost. These accounts OF earthquakes have been
reaching us in the papers almost daily for many
months past
And now we have an extraordinary and porten-
tous appearance in the heavens, ethera comet with
most unreasonable length oft TAIL or else a zodia-
cal light, or some cratic coruscation OF the Aurora
boreas, we know not what, save that it appears to
set all astronomical and meteorological knowledge
at defiance.
AS to the stars, they have usually all been brought
out under the management of the New Haven
astrologers 1t is proper, therefore, to hear what
they have to say in relation to this new celestial Wis
tier which is nightly performing in the western nor
lion.
The New Haven papers contain the following no.
tice of the phenomenon -
THE CoMEr.-This remarkable body, which since the
LIST instant has been in the day time in several places
distant from each other leave doubt of being
truly comet presented tselfo us in admirable lyle last
evening about o'clock, exhibiting in the southwest
long and narrow train, in shape not unlike the repre-
1880.
The following observations made the observatory of
Yale College, though not sufficiently precise for scientific
purposes, may general guide to those who may
be the look out this evening Rising from the horizon
about 10 deg south of the west point at angle with
OF 20 deg extended for 80 deg along the southern part
of the constellation Cetus the Whale, grazing its
southern margin the star tau Ce end terminating
visible at the star tau Eridan Its light rendered
less striking by the OF the moon then days old
but should its course bring fairly into view in the
sky, promises to be of the finest comets
In addition to the above, we have the following
from the Woodstock (vt.) Mercury
THE NooNDAY CoMEr.-A comet of unusual size and
briliancy was distinctly visible to the naked eye this
vicinity on Tuesday last at monday distances as
should judge OFFS degrees east from the sum- about
twice the space occupied by the three stars in the belt
Orion. extended over a space the heavens of nearly
three degrees in length with little than one in width
and appeared like very small white cloud, with its
nucleus or densest part toward the and its luminous
train In opposition to it. On viewing it through
mon three feet telescope of moderate power presented
distinct and most beautiful appearance-exhibitng verv
white and bright nucleus, and tail dividing the
cleus into tv separate branches with the outer sides
each branch convex and OF nearly equal length, appa
rently or 10 degrees Though viewed several minutes
under these favorable coruscaons
perceived.
The velocity with which comets move in their i'm.
mense eptical orbits when in their perhelion near
approach to the very grea-sometimes as was the
case with the comet of $780, passing over space of 81
degrees, minues, in one hour that, whenever the
o'clock shall permit to view this again. il not
improbable We shall see it, if it at ALL many de-
grees from the position which 1t occupied that day.
The following is from the correspondence Of the
United States Gazette, Philadelphia -
New CASSIE, March T. Is4s
j. r. CHANDLER, EsQ.-Dear Sir-A remarkably lumin-
appearance has been observed IN the heavens for
three nights past which has excited the curiosity of
all witnessing it, It is observable about O'Clock in
the evening" in the extending archwse towards the
southeast, beginning near the horizon. Some have
thought comet some lunar rainbow others aurora
or reflection OF the the western mountains. Per
haps some OF your readers may explain the phenomena
So it would relieve the apprehensions of some
minded people.
expected that the building at this place sciu
be launched in a fer days. perhaps Saturday nert.
Whatever this |" sign in the heavens may be, it
may be seen, as above stated, by any one who will
take the trouble to look for it about shutdown. i
has created great alarm the minds of many people,
as may be seen in the letter from our Albany cor
respondent. 1t reminds one of that passage from
the 2lst chapter of Luke -
And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon
and in the stars and upon the earth distress of nations
with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Mems hearts failing them for fear and for looking after
those things which are coming the earth for the
powers of heaven shall be shaken.
And then shall they see the Son of man coming in
cloud with power and great glory.
The bearing OF these portentous events upon the
grand denouement of this earthly drama, we do not
of course pretend to determine. The settlement of
such grave and difficult question in theological
science, we leave to DR.. Brownlee, he being the
best authority with which we are acquainted in
"these diggins''