Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1901-11-29
cry summer. The last time he was in
Chicago he lived 10 the Lexington ho-
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SAW A WEIRD LIGHT
Comet like Phenomenon Attracts the
Attention Of Chioaaoans.


Attention Of Chicagoans.
Chicago, Nov pa comet-like streak
of light in the southeast well up in the
sky attracted the attention of thous-
ands in all parts of the city early last
evening. So strange and unusual was
the appearance that 1t could not be ac-
counted definitely by local astronomers
of meteorological experts. 1t furnished
no end of speculation for the public ana
the weather bureau and newspaper OFF,
ces were besieged with anxious inquiries
and requests for some explanation OF
the phenomenon and the effect it might
have upon the earth.
1t was comet, according to some au-
thorities Others were inclined to mink
that it was a streamer from the aurora
borealis, or northern lights There were
some who decided that 1t was fantas-
tic display OF the rays of the moon de-
Elected by the broken clouds and heavy
moist atmosphere and smoke hanging
over the earth. All agreed that was
most unsual spectacle.
Whatever 1t was, 1t certainly played
to a large gallery in Chicago. 1t was
first seen about $50 o'clock, and re-
NAMED in fixed position in the heav-
ems until about O'clock, when dense
haze seemed to obscure it and shut 1t
from the sight.
Thousands Of opera glasses were
turned upon the bright stream. and to
many the head and tail OF the comet
seemed to be distinctly outlined Inc
crowds on the streets and on the sur
face and elevated trains craned theil
necks to get an observation with the
naked eve. Those who had glimpse
Of the mysterious visitor spread the
news rapidly among others indoors. and
nearly the entire city had become IN
terested before the curtain OF haze Mo
it from view.
ST was a comet, am sure" said Pro-
lessor Henry j. Cox of the weather pu-
rear. HAD 1t ben O meteor it would not
have remained so immovable, appar-
emily, nor have been in sight Tor sucn
length of time. AS seen from the Audi
torlum tower it was about ~ degrees
southeast from the zenith. 1t was about
2 degrees in length.
The comet was great distance from
the earth, but could be plainly seen, ana
was especially attractive when viewed
thru the glasses. 1t will have no eHect
on meteorological conditions, and l DO
not believe the earth will feel its pres
ence In any way"
"It is almost certain that 1t was
streamer OF the Aurora Borealis,' said
Professor George w. Hale of the Yerkes
observatory. who was spending Thanks
giving day at the Hotel Del Prado. SO
far south, however, such manifestations
of the northern lights are extremely un
usual. The light seems to be in our owl
atmosphere And evidence that 1t Is
probably the aurora is that 1t stays ir
the same place in the sky II 1t were
comet it would appear to move with the
other stars from the east to west. Thru
the opera glasses could see that the
stars moved. but this streak OF light
seemed to remain fixed.
When the aurora extends 80 far
south 1t is usually bright in the north
also. The lights of the city are so con-
fusing that / have been unable to dis
Germ the state OF the heavens to the
north. This visitation will not have the
slightest effect on the earth.