A LARGE METEOR.

Evening Star, Issue 23690, 25 September 1940, Page 2

A LARGE METEOR.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I observed what I think was a large meteor on Monday evening, and as it was rather unusual, perhaps you may consider the details of sufficient interest to pass them on to any organisation interested in such things. It was seen at 0.40 p.m. on Monday, September 23. The skyline was quite clear and not yet dark. There was a pale glow high in the N.W. in the direction of Outran), and this “ light ” passed very slowly right across the sky until hidden by the hill at Wingatui. As it passed it left a trail of white smoke which marked its path for minutes afterwards. It was rather as if a train had passed with a good steam up. There was very little luminosity connected with this object; perhaps it was not dark enough at the time, but what surprised me was the “ apparent ” slowness of its passing and the ease with which its path could be followed. The smoke fanned out behind it. So far as I could judge, the object was great height. Perhaps it was seen in other localities?—l am etc., Alan Hutchison. September 24. [“ The Director of the Carter Observatory at Wellington would bo pleased to have reports of such happenings,” said a local astronomer when the above letter was referred to him. “ Particulars of the direction of the flight, the time, and any unusual circumstances would he welcomed by the director. Such occurrences are not uncommon. They cannot ho seen during daytime owing to the light, and arc more conspicuous at night. The earth is fortunately protected from the impact of such bodies by tbo air with which it is surrounded.” —Ed, E.S.J