The Aurora

Abstract

AT Ilford, Essex, on the 17th instant, at 6h. 4m. p.m. by a watch which was within 2m. of G. M. T., I witnessed, during the auroral display, the extremely singular phenomenon which has been described by several of your correspondents. It looked exactly like a white cloud, about 20° long and 2° wide, tapered somewhat from the middle to each end; but it was more luminous than a cloud could well have been at that time. When first seen, its nearest end may have been 30° east of the moon. Its length was nearly parallel to the horizon, and continued so till lost sight of about as much to the west of the moon; and its passage over an area of some 80° occupied probably less than a minute. It passed very near to the moon, but I cannot say whether over it or not.