Abstract
A SINGULAR phenomenon was seen (according to the New York World) recently off the coast of Florida by the officers of the brigantine Fortunate. Shortly after dark two columns of fire appeared, seemingly a mile away. They were fifty yards apart and about 500 feet high, arching towards one another at the top, but without meeting. They were of a dull red colour, without sparks; but the arching portions emitted tremulous rays or streamers of light like those of the aurora. They were visible all night, but faded at daybreak. The weather was fine, not a cloud being seen all night. The following day there was a gale of wind accompanied by thunder, but no rain. It is not stated in what quarter of the heavens the appearance was seen. Could it have been an aurora?
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Physical Notes . Nature 22, 301–303 (1880). https://doi.org/10.1038/022301b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/022301b0