Other
Scientific paper
Feb 1872
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1872natur...5..302f&link_type=abstract
Nature, Volume 5, Issue 120, pp. 302 (1872).
Other
Scientific paper
THERE was a fine display of the above phenomenon here on Sunday night, February 4. At five o'clock a muddy undefined redness made its appearance in the N. E. and W., especially in the former, which continued for some time without any very marked change. Towards half-past six the redness became more concentrated, gradually brightened, and finally became of a most intense brilliancy-indeed, so much so that it fairly baffles description, the landscape and the countenances of those standing near being visibly tinged. Streamers soon began to form, and shoot gradually upwards from the horizon in all directions from N.E. by S. to W., some intensely red, some very white, while others were of a greenish hue. The red and white being very brilliant, were finely intermingled, especially in a N. E. direction, while a muddy green prevailed chiefly in the S., and a reddish tinge in the W. By seven o'clock that rare phenomenon, a corona, was formed overhead, assuming a variety of shapes. The most curious part of the display (as far as my experience goes) was the entire absence up to this time of any streamers or coloured haze in a W. by N. to N.E. direction, the sky being cloudless, perfectly clear, and the stars shining with their usual brightness. On the formation of the corona a sheet of fan-shaped sea-green haze shot from it in a N. direction, spreading rapidly as it advanced, but did not proceed for more than 20°, when it suddenly disappeared. The streamers were remarkably steady throughout and straight, unlike those during the display of November 10 of last year, which were wave-like, rapid, and flickering. By half-past seven the entire sky had assumed a greenish tinge, with a reddish glow in some places, and a few resplendent beams of white light from the E. chiefly. At a quarter to eight red streamers became visible in a N. direction, at a considerable elevation, resting on a greenish haze, itself emanating from a very indistinctly white arch spread across the N. At nine the sky was still tinged, and a streamer here and there visible, but by ten the display was over, as clouds had obscured the heavens. Although the red colours were so intense and deep, the stars could be distinctly seen through them, and when the streamers suddenly changed to white, &c, it was possible to see the time on a watch, though the night under ordinary circumstances would have been dark. A common dipping needle which marked 56° at noon changed to 45° before the aurora became visible. Barometer corrected and reduced, 29.748. Temperature, 37° at the time. Solar radiator during the day, 77°. A few shooting stars darted across the heavens in a south from east direction, mainly during the aurora. A wet night afterwards set in.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Aurora of February 4 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Aurora of February 4, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Aurora of February 4 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1732546