Sighting

A very bright and sparkling pillar of blue light appeared to stand up from the horizon.

Transcription of the newspaper clip:

*A Curious Meteor, Or Electrical Phenomenon.*


TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir, - A very curious phenomenon was observed here
about 6h. 15m. this morning. A very bright pillar of blue
light appeared to stand up from the horizon to an altitude
of about 30^. At that point it assumed a very bright appearance,
resembling the bursting of a huge rocket. A
stream of sparks and haze ascended to a height of about 10^
more. The light continued visible for about two seconds,
illuminating the whole neighbourhood, and was unaccompanied
by any noise. The lower parts then disappeared,
leaving the haze in the form of a bright oblong cloud, which
gradually diminished in brilliancy for nearly ten minutes,
when it had entirely disappeared. Its position was nearly
due south.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
J. W.
Washington Chymical Works, near Gateshead, Dec. 19.




TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir, - As there has been a deal said about meteors lately,
perhaps you will be so kind as to insert an account of a very
singular phenomenon which I witnessed on Wednesday, the
19th inst., about 20 minutes past 6 o'clock in the morning,
which was bright and starlight, sharp frost, and the wind
being rather high and blowing from the south-east. Being
out of doors at the time, I was surprised by an intense light
resembling vivid lightning, but lasting longer; on looking
up I saw a body moving towards the west, in shape like a
serpent, about three feet in length and two inches in
diameter. In about a quarter of a minute it had formed a
bright ball at the end towards the east; it then assumed
another form, by extending its length and then falling into
an irregular circle, and passed off to the west. I observed
this singular phenomenon for quite 10 minutes from the
time I saw the light until it finally disappeared in the west.

Apologizing for obtruding on your space, I remain your
obedient servant,
John Taylor.
Oakley-house, near Redford, Beds.

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