Remarkable Paraselene seen at Highfield House on October 25th, 1871

Abstract

THE phenomenon first became visible at 7^h 12^m P.M., and finally vanished at 7^h 33 P.M. The upper portion of a halo of 22° 30′ radius marked DCE, together with a detached portion of F, had the mcon for its centre; at the apex of this circle was the apex of another of similar dimensions, HCG, whose centre was about 45° al ove the moon. On the horizontal level of the moon on either side were mock moons, AB, and immediately above the moon within the same circle was an oval mock moon, C. Both A and C, though very apparent, were nevertheless not brilliant, the grandeur of the phenomenon centering in the double mock moon B; this was so brilliant that it attracted immediate attention, and that portion nearest the moon was sensibly orangered. At first it appeared as one large mock moon (twice as broad as it was long), and at 7^h 19^m divided into two with a thin dark band between. Whilst the two moons (touching each other) were visible, each had a tail of 10° or more in length, and these were included within a gigantic tail of 25° long, considerably more brilliant, but colourless, and contrasting much with the orange-red of the mock moons. At the time of the phenomenon a fog spread over the valley, and overhead were strong cirri in parallel bands The temperature was 37°.2, and on the grass 30°.6.