Remarkable Phenomenon seen on April 26, 1887

Abstract

A PHENOMENON was seen here this evening quite distinct from anything I have before observed. It was an exact copy of streams of aurora borealis rising from a low arch, but instead of being in the northern heavens it was near the south horizon. The sky was cloudless, except a long thundercloud which extended from near south-south-west to almost south-south-east, the upper portion of this cloud being about 12° above the horizon. From this, cloud issued from one to three streams of conspicuous white light, the north-easterly stream being the largest and brightest, and this continued visible from 9.40 until 10.5 (the others were only seen for five minutes). The streams were at an angle of about 53°, and moved slowly easterly (the cloud moving in the same direction). The longest stream reached an altitude of 25°, and at 10 o'clock exactly (G.M.T.) the base was immediately over the Avonmouth Lighthouse. The light of the streams was more persistent and less flickering than is usually the case with aurora borealis.