An account of a surprizing meteor, seen in the air, March the 6th, 1715/16, at night. Containing, I. A description of this meteor, from the author's own observations. II. Some historical accounts of the like meteors before; with extracts from such letters, and accounts of this, as the author has receiv'd. III. The principal phænomena of this meteor. IV. Conjectures for their solution. V. Reasons why our solutions are so imperfect. VI. Inferences and observations from the premises / By William Whiston, M. A.

  • Whiston, William, 1667-1752.
Date:
1716
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An account of a surprizing meteor, seen in the air, March the 6th, 1715/16, at night. Containing, I. A description of this meteor, from the author's own observations. II. Some historical accounts of the like meteors before; with extracts from such letters, and accounts of this, as the author has receiv'd. III. The principal phænomena of this meteor. IV. Conjectures for their solution. V. Reasons why our solutions are so imperfect. VI. Inferences and observations from the premises / By William Whiston, M. A. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    23/88 (page 17)
    [ >7 ] t» : • ; \ higher and higher, and all along its upper Limb grew brighter and brighter, till it exceeded the Light of the Moon, when it is behind a Cloud. About Half an hour after 12, a new bright Arc arofe above the former ; and both of them exhibited an even Edge. But about .One a Clock, certain Lucid Rays, or Beams, darted themfelves to a great Height ; firft thofe from the upper Arc, and then thofe from the Nether alfo. This Sort of Radiation continued for fome Time ; but the Rays themfelves were exceeding mutable, both as to the Variety, and as to the Suddennefs of their Changes. The greateft part afcended in a right Line ; while others of them feem’d to wave a little feveral ways. When they were ready to difappear, they were fhorter and broader : But before, when they were at the higheft, they were elevated Four Degrees above the fuperior Arc. This Meteor was in the greateft Perfedion about Half an hour after 2 ; when the Lucid Rays were confpicuous every where. At 2 it was at the greateft Elevation ; and by degrees diffufed it felf over all the Heavens ; and at length, a thick hoary Mift, that cover’d the Heavens, depriv’d us of the farther Sight of it. The fame Phenomenon was feen from the Obfervatory in the preceding Years ; and that always between the WeH and the North ; But ic never appear’d fo bright and perfed, as at this Time. March 1. N. S. the like Meteor was feen in the fame Quarter of the Heavens, from 10 a Clock in the Evening, till 1 ; but this was not fo C 2 regu-