The Aurora Borealis of November 5

Abstract

AS a supplement to the observations of Mr. Scriven Bolton on the aurora borealis of November 5, and his beautiful illustrative drawing (NATURE, November 18), may I be allowed to record the following observations. Mr. Scriven Bolton ceased observing at 7.40 p.m.; I began at 8 p.m., although the aurora had been noticed about 7 p.m. The aurora appeared in the form of a bright whitish-green glow, of the form depicted by Mr. Scriven Bolton, extending on the horizon from N. by E., to W. by N., with streamers occasionally rising from it. At 8.25 p.m. the general glow was affected with pulsations, and at 8.40 p.m. five comet-like streamers appeared in the N.W., and a brighter patch of luminosity N. by W. A single streamer appeared in the N. at 8.45 p.m., and at 8.50 p.m. a dark arch formed, separating an upper bright arch from the brightly glowing region beneath. This must not be confounded with the dark segment, so often seen in auroræ surmounted by a bright arch. This particular phenomenon I do not remember to have observed before in auroral displays.