The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1866-11-13
NOVEMBER METEORS.
GALVESTON, October rs, 1866


The papers are announcing the expected re-
turn of the great Meteoric display of 1888. Its
anniversary recurs on the night of November
1918, but whether in 1866, or 1867, admits of
some discussion. The expectation Of its return
is based upon the fact of its having been seen
in 1919 by Humboldt & Bompland then travel
ling in Cumana, South America. Then in
1912 and 33 it was seen, in some degree Of
brilliancy the former two years, and in 1888 10
wonderful brilliancy. If we take this date, the
period was 81 years, and the greatest display
will not recur till 1867 However, those who
would not miss natural phenomenon, SO extra
ordinary and rare in its recurrence, SO stipend
Gus in its grandeur, will not grudge half night
ofslumber 10 observation for the two years, both
Of which may be expected to repay observation.
To 1888 it was observed in nearly all parts of
the world but the most brilliant exhibition
was in the western continent. The point in the
heavens from which they appeared to radate
was in Constellation Leo, near the star called
Gramma, or the third 10 magnitude in that con-
night on the Eastern Coast of the United States,
and continued till day light, even to the Pacific
Ocean.
The writer is indebted to the difficulties of
solving the Bnomial Theorem, in Algebra, for
a most complete view Of this spectacle. AS a
cadet at West Point, was up and at my duties
long before dawn, when the flashes of light
through my window attracted me. Upon look
ing out, the grandest spectacle Of life time
broke upon me- The whole heavens were filled
with falling and flashing stars. The apparent
point Of radiation was near enough the Zenith
to give the movements the appearance of falling
stars. l had just read in Humboldt's travels in
Cumana, South America, bis account of SINH
lar display; and thus was saved the alarm that
was almost universally felt by spectators.
l soon had the whole corps of Cadets and Pro-
lessons out on the. plain, uttering exclamations
of awe and wonder
The profound Professor Courtney, who taught
Us philosophy and astronomy, was up and gazing
when / reached his quarters My appeal to
him for solution was answered by the reply, II
know nothing more than you or a child, MIR Is
of this wonderful phenomenon"
At Reveile, when the stars had disappeared
from the sky, the meteors we're still flashing
One observation then made is worth re-
membering None of the meteors reached the
surface OF the earth, nor came between the eye
aud the neighboring mountains. They seemed
all to be dissi pated in the atmosphere before
reaching the ground Several burst into frag.
ments, but no reports were heard. I saw the
great one that attracted SO much attention burst
nearly over me, to the eastward listened tor
the report, but heard none. Professor Twining
computed its elevation at some 40 miles, be,
lieve, which would be near the upper limit of
the atmosphere.
respectfully ask for reports from observers
in Texas, both for this year and next, as our
earth will pass the same point, and probably en-
counter the same school of nseteors before they
pass the earth's orbit 10 1867.
hope to be able to furnish for publication
such account as the display, whatever it be, may
warrant, and will give due credit to contributors
for their observations. G. G. FoBsHEY.