Saturday press. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1880-1885, 1883-09-22

desire to put on record what have noticed
in relation to the singular lurid afer-sunset
glow that has been observable several times in
our skies for more than two weeks. 1t is i'm.
possible not to surmise connection between
these and The enormous volcanic omissions a,
the Straits of Sunda. hope that others may
publish what they have observed.
first noticed these peculiar appearances on
"Wednesday, the 5h instant, at p.m.-sc
long after sunset that ordinarily no trace OIL
color remains ON the western sky. The SIX,
from southwest to west was then covered with
lurd red and dull yellow glow, much resem-
bling that produced by distant connapration.
This extended to an altitude of Il or 20 de.
grces. Something of the same was also dis.
tinguishable in the eastern sky. continued
to distinguish this light until 7.25, Mr.. ]. +.
Brown says that he observed it until Tax.
AfV 7.as | was otherwise engaged but at
that hour all trace of twilight has ordinarily
long ceased. My wife observed this phenom-
enon much earlier than myself, and had
much TO say about peculiar lurid yellowsh-
brown tint, which was not visible when She
called me 10 observe. This tint was noticeable
on the eastern sky before sunset.
Similar phenomena have been observable on
successive evenings since the above date, but
not in so great degree. Last evening, Sep.
TENDER 18th, deep crimson glow occupied the
southwestern sky, like that of an immense
confagration, until 7.I5.
would note three peculiarities of this phe.
nomenon, distinguishing it from ordinary sun.
Sc, reflections, and unlike anything remember
to have observed before. First 1t appears to
be n reflection from no cloud or stratum OF
vapor whatever An undcfnable haze might.
perhaps, be iancied TO be the medium reflect.
ing sunlight. Second; The peculiar luritl glow
as OF distant confagration, totally unlike our
common sunsets. Third The very late hour
TO which the light was observable past
the usual hour OF total cessation of twilight.
To these may be added a fourth popularity
that the centre OF brilliancy was more or less
to the south Of west,
am disposed to conjecture that some YER,
light clement among the vapors OF the lava
eruptions has continued a, a very great height
in the atmosphere, and been borne by the
upper currents across the Pacific into this
region. The best evidence of the su,misod
connection with those eruptions would be the
tracing OF an increased appearance Of these
phenomena eastward across the Pacific. II
The like and greater luridness were observable
at S;rongs Island, Bonabe, Ruk, the La.
drones, Manila, and by vessels at sea in those
long'iudes, II would ooniIIm the superstition.
1t will be interesting also to trace the extent
OF this phenomenon TO the eastward. liza, II
been perceptible in California;
| would earnestly invite, in behalf OF science
all shipmasiers and mates 10 publish what they
may have observed at sea during September Of
this peculiar luridness Of the evening SKY, or
else to communicate the facts to some one who
will put them ON record. Mir C. ]. Lyons, at
the government survey office, IS especially
engaged in meteorological observations, and
would be suitable person to receive such
communications.
II seems also worthy Of inquiry how iar the
esis'enee OF volcanic haze in the air may have
been productive Of hot weather during Ibis
month, py increasing the capacity of the aimos.
phere to absorb solar heat also by diminish.
ing ITS capacity to 'ransmi, the cooling radia.
non Of hea, from the eanhs surface.
Respectfully, 5. Y. BIsnor.
lInnnlula. Seniemher To- 1857