The Remarkable Sunsets

Abstract

THE remarkable and beautiful atmospheric phenomena which within the last four or five months have so powerfully attracted attention in all parts of the world, made their appearance here about the same time that they did in England and on the continent of Europe. It is true that as early as October 14, 1883, something similar was noticed at Santa Barbara, about 280 miles south-east of this place; but the characteristic phenomena were not observed here and at other positions on the coast of California until after the middle of November, 1883. I first observed it on the evening of November 24, when it presented a very striking appearance. That afternoon the sky had been overcast with dark clouds, and the south-east wind had brought a slight rainfall. Towards sunset a bright portion of sky appeared at the western horizon, extending to an altitude of about 10°, while the dark hood of clouds enveloped the remainder of the celestial vault. At 6 p.m. the lurid redness (almost angry) of tbe western horizon attracted universal attention; it had the appearance of a sky illuminated by an immense conflagration. Doubtless the effect was heightened by the contrast with the dark canopy of clouds. Similar appearances, more or less conspicuous, presented themselves during the remaining days of November, and in a less striking manner (when the weather was favourable) during the month of December, both after sunset and before sunrise. At a quarter past six on the morning of November 29 the eastern sky emitted such a brilliant ruddy light as to arrest my attention by the peculiar red illumination of the window-curtain of my bedroom. On looking out, the whole eastern sky was seen to be drenched in gorgeous red. During the month of January, 1884, the “upper-glows” (as Miss Ley appropriately designates them) became much less conspicuous.