WM 
24 
ON THE ORBIT AND PHENOMENA 
varied greatly from 25° at the position ‘N. 26 W.’ Its altitude increased but 
slightly, if at all; it crossed the meridian 12° to 15° below the pole star (perhaps 
a little less), finally disappearing without falling below the horizon, at a point 
N. 85° E., and at an altitude of perhaps 8°. For the last few seconds it seemed 
nearly stationary, comparing well with Venus in brightness, then with Jupiter, and 
so on to its disappearance. Its altitude diminished slowly after it crossed the 
meridian—more rapidly, I think, as it approached the east. At a point ‘ N. 61J° E.’ 
it may have been 20°. These are the results of my reconsideration of the matter 
next day, and of a careful comparison of my impressions with those of several of my 
colleagues, who also witnessed it. Their attention was, I think, in all instances 
attracted by the reflected light. No one of them saw it at its first appearance. I 
think I cannot be mistaken in the conviction that I saw it when it first became 
visible.” * * * * “ There were various estimates among us, as to the 
time during which it was visible—ranging from 10 to 30 seconds. My own feeling 
inclines to the latter estimate. 1 Upon reviewing what I have written, I think I 
may have put the point of the disappearance of the meteor a little too low. When 
it comes again (!) I hope to have my wits about me, so as to furnish you more 
reliable information.” 
Ogdensburg, New York, No. 13. Communicated by William E. Guest, Esq., 
from the observations of several persons who were standing near each other, and 
who all agreed as to the point upon a factory steeple with which the meteor came 
in range. The angle was measured by Mr. G. by the “ card method.” 
Olean , New York, Lat. 42° 5', Lon. 78° 34'. Visible “nearly or quite two 
minutes”—passed near the zenith. 
Osceola , Illinois, Lat. about 41°, Lon. about 90°. Communicated by Dr. John 
S. Pashley, as follows, under date of September 12, 1860 : “ On the evening of July 
20th, our attention was directed to a phenomenon similar to a falling star of unusual 
magnitude and brilliancy, but so rapid was its motion, and so comparatively small 
was the appearance*of the same, that we paid very little attention to it, not suspecting 
that it was anything of rare occurrence, nor have I since been decided as to whether 
it was the meteor spoken of, although the time of its appearance, and its erratic 
course, in many published accounts, correspond with our observation. Its general 
course here (if my memory serves me) was from N.W. to S.E., and it was north 
of the zenith.” 1 2 
Oswego, New York, Lat. 43° 28', Lon. 76° 35'. Reported time 9h. 40m. 3 
Owego , New York, Lat. 42° 7', Lon. 76° 18'. Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, of Elmira, 
1 The calculated interval between Prof. F.’s first and last observation is 58 seconds. 
3 This description is inserted, not as affording any material aid in developing the path of the 
meteor under discussion, but because Osceola is considerably farther west than any other place at 
which the meteor was seen. If it was really seen from Osceola, the line of vision must have been 
above the clouds that obscured the sky farther north—which might easily be. Its meridian altitude 
must have been about 28-§-°, and the time about 8h. 42m. P. M. Its apparent motion must have been 
only about 2° per second, which could hardly be called “ rapid.” 
3 Calculated time of meridian passage, 9h. 37m. 19 sec.