Bolide - Contributions 0101-0115

Magazine Overview

This document is a compilation of references and accounts related to luminous atmospheric phenomena, primarily ball lightning and related phenomena like 'ignis fatuus' (will-o'-the-wisp) and 'corpse candles'. It is presented as a list of contributions numbered 0101 through 0115, with each entry citing a source publication, author, and date. The content spans a wide historical range, from 1835 to 1989, and draws from various scientific journals, newspapers, and books.

Content Breakdown

Contributions 0101-0115

Each entry in the list provides a citation for a specific report or article concerning luminous atmospheric phenomena. These include:

• 0101: Rev. C.C. Clarke's "The Hundred Wonders of the Modern World" (1835), describing 'Will-with-a-wisp' and 'Jack-with-a-lanthorn' as real exhalations.
• 0102: L. Koenigsfeld's article "A propos de...la foudre globulaire" in 'Ciel et terre' (1979), detailing personal experiences and theories on ball lightning.
• 0103: A report from the 'Kölnische Zeitung' (1870) via 'Nature', describing an "Illumination of the sea".
• 0104: P.G. Sunderland's report on "Ball lightning in Yorkshire" (1988) in 'Weather', via 'Science Frontiers'.
• 0105: E. Lagrange's "Une aurore boréale artificielle" in 'Ciel et terre' (1883-4), discussing artificial auroras.
• 0106: D.P. Penhallow's "A blazing beach" in 'Science' (1905), describing a sensational event at Kittery Point, Maine.
• 0107: Steuart Campbell's "Ball lightning exposed!" in 'British Journal of Photography' (1987).
• 0108: Rev.A. Bonney's "Note on an appearance of luminous bubbles in the atmosphere" in 'Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society' (1887).
• 0109: "Fid.D."'s "Au sujet des foudres globulaires bleues" in 'Ciel et terre' (1934).
• 0110: An anonymous article "Will o' the wisp the fire of fools" in 'The Countryman' (1981).
• 0111: A sequence of letters in 'Byegones' (1875) about "Curious lights near Pwllheli".
• 0112: "Green meteor" and "Shooting stars" from 'Journal of the British Astronomical Association' (1974).
• 0113: Jennifer Tucker's "Encounters 'too real to be a dream'" in the 'Tampa, Florida, Tribune' (1989).
• 0114: A personal communication on "Presumed ball lightning" in 'Science Frontiers'.
• 0115: Llowarch's "A ghost of Xmas past or a UFO" in 'Cambrian News' (1986).

The list concludes with a note about "Corpse candles & will o' the wisp" references collected by Bob Skinner.

Detailed Accounts and Theories

Page 2 (From THE HUNDRED WONDERS OF THE MODERN WORLD by Rev. C.C. Clarke, 1835):
This section elaborates on 'Ignis Fatuus, or Mock-Fires'. It describes them as real exhalations from the earth, often originating in low marshy plains and valleys. They are characterized by their rarity, subtleness, and ability to produce light or heat. The text notes their frequent appearance in Italy, particularly in Bolognese territory, where they are seen nightly, varying in size from a torch to a candle flame. Their motion is described as various and uncertain, sometimes rising, sinking, or disappearing and reappearing elsewhere. They typically hover about six feet from the ground, can appear to break into two parts, and sometimes let fall portions of ignited matter. They are more frequent in winter and in moist weather and are often found near brooks, rivers, and morasses, but also on elevated grounds. Two specific historical accounts are provided: one from a mountainous road near Bononia in 1728, describing a luminous parallelopiped-shaped light, and another from December 12, 1776, near Bromsgrove, England, detailing multiple lights in a field with sudden bright branches resembling rocket explosions. A third account from Pembrokeshire (1693) describes a "fiery exhalation" that set fire to hay and barns and poisoned grass. The "Draco Volans" is also mentioned as a fiery exhalation common in marshy and cold countries, appearing as an oblong or roundish fiery body with a long tail.

Page 3 & 4 (L. Koenigsfeld, "A propos de...la foudre globulaire", Ciel et terre, 1979):
L. Koenigsfeld recounts his first encounter with ball lightning in 1940, as told by Professor Marcel Dehalu, who described a fireball entering a kitchen, circling the room, and exiting through a stove's chimney without noise or explosion. Koenigsfeld's own experience occurred in 1947 near Manhay, Belgium, during a thunderstorm. He observed a "globular lightning" sphere, about 25 cm in diameter, floating at about ten meters height and moving at approximately one meter per second. It lasted about five minutes, approached him, crossed a quay, the Ourthe river, and the Meuse river before disappearing. A loud noise was heard, but it was unclear if it was an explosion or another lightning strike. The ball's color was described as rose-blue and iridescent. Koenigsfeld notes that while several theories exist, none fully explain his personal experience. He mentions S. Singer's review of ball lightning knowledge, indicating a large number of recent publications. He discusses the characteristics of ball lightning, including its spherical shape, size, color, duration, movement, and silent entry into buildings. He cites theories by Uman and Helstrom (based on non-linear conductivity of hot air) and M. Dauvillier (describing it as a gaseous vortex from a thunderstorm, then a plasma ring). Other theories involving plasma, nuclear reactions, or antimatter are also mentioned. Koenigsfeld concludes that simple descriptions are not decisive without sufficient knowledge and experimental studies.

Page 5 (Marc HALLET, "Illumination of the Sea", From the Kölnische Zeitung, June 19, 1870, via Nature):
This report describes a peculiar illumination of the sea in the Gulf of Siam on April 11th. During calm conditions after a breeze, large white flakes were observed in the water, initially mistaken for moon reflections. These flakes, about a fathom in diameter, were lustreless and of no particular shape. As the ship steamed forward, long white waves of light were seen floating towards the ship, increasing in brightness and rapidity until they almost disappeared, leaving a whirling light on the water. The phenomenon made it difficult to distinguish between water, sky, and atmosphere. A thick fog also appeared. The light was described as similar to a rapidly whirling black and white ball or being enveloped in a thick white fog. The phenomenon lasted about five minutes and repeated for two minutes. The author concludes that shoals of small creatures in the water were the cause, with the white flakes contributing to the luminosity. The moderate velocity and weak light of the flakes are noted as not fully explaining the magical effect. The report contrasts this with the luminous appearance seen in the wake of a ship or disturbed water, which is typically glaring green and blue like phosphorus.

Page 6 (W.R. Corliss, "Ball Lightning in Yorkshire", Weather, 1988, via Science Frontiers, 1989):
This account details an incident on May 14, 1985, in Yorkshire, England. At Garton-on-the-Wolds, the electricity went off, and upon returning to their house, Mr. and Mrs. Foster found the television aerial blown out of its socket, with scorch marks on the window sill and curtain lining. The television plug was damaged, and fuses were blown. At 6:45 pm, Rachel Foster felt a "thump" in her back. She and two other girls saw an orange, spherical object, about the size of a table tennis ball, moving very quickly and rotating. It left a five-pointed star mark on Rachel's shoulder blade, which cleared the next day. The object then fell to the floor, exploding "with the noise of a shotgun" and "like a firecracker" into many white stars. There were no burn marks on the floor, but a smell of burning was present. The report attributes the incident to ball lightning.

Page 7 & 8 & 9 (E. Lagrange, "Une aurore boréale artificielle", Ciel et Terre, 1883-1884):
This article discusses Professor Tait's suggestion that large-scale experiments might clarify atmospheric electrical phenomena. It references an observation by Captain Sabine on the Isle of Skye, where the highest summit appeared to have clouds inflamed by a luminous fluid, resembling a local aurora borealis. The author then details experiments by Professor Lemström in the mountains of Finland, who attempted to replicate this phenomenon. Lemström constructed a network of copper mesh on two mountains, studded with small pointed rods, to facilitate the escape or entry of electrical fluid. This network was connected to a galvanometer and to the ground via metal plates. The experiments were conducted in the Finnish winter with temperatures below -32°C. Upon completion of the conductor system, the summit of the hill began to glow with a bright light, forming a luminous arc up to 120 meters high. The article notes that the phenomenon was similar to the natural aurora borealis, with the characteristic gamma ray (y = 5569) being present in the spectrum of the artificial luminous arc. However, the continuation of the experiment was hampered by ice accumulating on the conductors, causing them to break. The high costs also limited further investigations. The article concludes by mentioning Lemström's ongoing research and his promise of further studies.

Page 10 (D.P. Penhallow, "A blazing beach", Science, 1905):
This report describes a "blazing beach" phenomenon that occurred at Kittery Point, Maine, on the evening of Friday, September 1, 1905. Guests at the Hotel Parkfield witnessed flames rising from the beach and the surface of the water. The event, lasting over forty-five minutes, was accompanied by a loud crackling noise and the liberation of sulphurous acid fumes that penetrated the hotel. Some sand, when stirred in water, liberated bubbles of gas that produced flame. Various explanations were offered, including a sunken vessel releasing calcium carbide, or gases from fissures opened by a dynamite blast or an earthquake. A more sensational explanation suggested the town was built on the "edge of hell." The author provides a more scientific explanation, attributing the phenomenon to the decomposition of eel grass (Zostera marina) and other organic debris on the sand beach. Gas was found to be liberated from the exposed sand and from sand covered by water, indicating that the gas evolution was directly connected to the sand itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these contributions is the investigation and documentation of unexplained luminous atmospheric phenomena, particularly ball lightning and related 'ignis fatuus' occurrences. The compilation presents a mix of historical anecdotes, eyewitness accounts, and early scientific inquiries into these events. There is a clear effort to present diverse cases and to explore various theoretical explanations, acknowledging the complexity and elusive nature of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of archival collection and dissemination of information, providing a historical record for researchers interested in the subject. The inclusion of both sensational reports and more grounded scientific analyses suggests an aim to cover the breadth of reported experiences and interpretations.

The document highlights the persistent scientific curiosity surrounding these events, from early observations of natural phenomena to attempts at artificial replication and the development of theoretical models. The challenges in studying these transient and often unpredictable events are evident, as is the ongoing quest for a definitive understanding.

Title: SCIENCE.
Issue: No. 672
Volume: XXII
Date: November 17, 1905
Publisher: McGill University
Country: Canada
Language: English

Article: Spontaneous Combustion of Marsh Gases and Forest Fires

This article, authored by D. P. Penhallow from the Botanical Laboratory at McGill University, addresses the phenomenon of spontaneous combustion arising from decaying vegetation in marsh lands. The author begins by referencing observations that suggest rock fissures are not a valid basis for understanding such events. Instead, he points to the continuous decay of underlying sod in coastal marsh lands, which leads to the formation of large quantities of sulphuretted hydrogen, along with associated amounts of light carburetted and possibly phosphuretted hydrogen.

Personal experience is cited, noting that these gases can be stored in decaying turf in pockets and escape in significant volumes when the turf is cut. It is also acknowledged that any decaying vegetation can produce similar results. Two explanations were initially proposed for the observed phenomena: first, the presence of buried marshland undergoing decay to produce combustible gases; and second, the accumulation of organic debris in beach formations contributing to the results.

An examination of a beach was conducted to test these hypotheses. The superficial layer, about one inch deep, consisted of freshly washed sand mixed with fragments of marine and land plants. Below this, a layer approximately six inches thick was found to be composed of sand filled with organic debris, including marine plants, wood fragments, and bones. This layer was black and, when washed, revealed small carbonized fragments of zostera, charred wood, and animal bones with an ebony-like surface. Beneath this layer was a deposit of beach pebbles mixed with sand, extending to a depth of about two feet. This observation led to the conclusion that no buried marsh was present, and the six-inch layer rich in organic matter was responsible for the accumulation and release of inflammable gases under favorable conditions.

The article then explains the spontaneous combustion of these gases. Light carburetted and phosphuretted hydrogen are known to ignite spontaneously in marsh lands, giving rise to phenomena like 'will-o'-the-wisp,' 'Jack-o'-lantern,' and 'corpse candle,' which are part of English folklore. The presence of sulphuretted hydrogen, when ignited by the other gases, provides a complete explanation for phenomena that may have occurred at intervals in the past without direct notice.

Furthermore, the author posits that the possibility of such combustion occurring on a large scale offers a "most reasonable explanation of many forest fires, the origin of which it has hitherto been impossible to account for in a satisfactory manner."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The article aligns with a scientific and investigative approach to understanding natural phenomena. It emphasizes empirical observation and the formation of hypotheses based on evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking rational explanations for unexplained events, particularly those with potential practical implications, such as the origin of forest fires. The use of scientific terminology and reference to known chemical properties of gases underscores a commitment to a scientific discourse.

This issue of 'Bye-Gones' presents a collection of historical accounts and reports related to unexplained phenomena, primarily focusing on sightings of unusual lights and potential UFO encounters, spanning from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century. The publication appears to be a compilation of historical records and correspondence, with a particular emphasis on events occurring in Wales and the United States.

Reports of Curious Lights in Wales (1875)

The issue begins with a report from February 24, 1875, detailing 'CURIOUS APELARANOR OF LIGHTS' witnessed in the 'Yoke Traserthe Field'. Mr. C. T. Patar describes seeing eight lights that moved horizontally, appeared and disappeared, and varied in color and intensity, sometimes resembling carriage lights or electric lights. He notes that his keepers had never seen anything like it before and questions whether they were 'will-o'-the-wisps'.

Following this, a letter dated March 2, 1875, from Mr. Picton-Jones of Yoko House, Pwllheli, addresses the 'CURIOUS LIGHTS NEAR PWLLHELL'. He reports that on Sunday night, twelve lights were seen, some red and some blue, moving inland. He describes one light that moved in a pattern resembling a human being, ascending to a height beyond reach. The lights were observed to move over a distance of about three-quarters of a mile from his house, with the promontory being about seven miles across.

A subsequent letter from 'R.D.' of Dolforwyn Hall, dated March 24, 1875, recounts witnessing a similar phenomenon on the marshy ground near Borth five or six years prior. He observed four or five white lights, about the size and brilliancy of railway guard lamps, moving in an aimless way on the sandhills. He also mentions a separate phenomenon of sounds like heavy artillery discharges heard in Herefordshire and Cardiganshire, with no satisfactory explanation.

Another correspondent, 'MARY EDWARDS' of Dolaerau, also references Mr. Picton-Jones's letter and quotes from 'Pennant's Tour in Wales' regarding a 'mephites or pestilential vapour' observed in 1694. She also refers to 'The Antiquities of England and Wales' by Francis Grosse, which mentions a 'livid fire or vapour' in Merioneth that destroyed everything in its course except inhabitants, with devastations noted in 1542 and 1564. She speculates if a similar 'livid fire' might be revisiting the area in 1875.

Peculiar Phenomenon (1875)

An entry dated November 10, 1875, describes a 'PECULIAR PHENOMENON' reported by Rev. James Lewis of Llabilar Vicarage. While returning from service, he and two companions observed their footsteps marked by a peculiar light on a field near Ewmclyd. This light, described as luminous and similar in color to phosphorous or glow-worms, disappeared in the adjoining field but reappeared on their footsteps again. The report notes that these 'Curious Lights' are not confined to Pwllheli.

Thoughts from the Past (Historical Extracts)

This section presents extracts from an 1830 book, 'Arcana of Science and Art', compiled by Mrs. Jane D. Kirk and shared by E. A. Bilt, Director of the Historical Section. These extracts offer a glimpse into scientific and speculative writings from nearly 150 years prior.

Green Meteor (1830)

An extract from a letter by B. D. Silliman to Professor Silliman describes a beautiful green meteor observed on the night of February 11th, between eleven and twelve o'clock, while crossing the East River between New York and Long Island. The meteor was visible for about two seconds, moved from below the zenith towards the horizon in a north-east direction, and appeared to explode without report. Its color was a singularly pure grass-green, with scintillations.

Shooting Stars (1830)

This section includes accounts of shooting stars that allegedly fell to earth, leaving behind gelatinous masses. One account mentions a Mr. John Treat, a farmer, who witnessed a shooting star fall within a few yards of him during the campaign against General Howe. He found a gelatinous mass that was still sparkling. Another account is cited from General Griswold, who observed a shooting star fall near him upon a piece of ice.

Encounters 'too real to be a dream' (1989)

This article, dated January 31, 1989, by Jennifer Tucker, details an alleged alien abduction experience of a woman named Karen. Karen, a 43-year-old writer from Naples, Florida, describes how electrical appliances in her home began malfunctioning in the summer of 1986, and her computer keys moved, seemingly instructing her to travel west. She states that the electrical disturbances stopped when she left her home. Near Little Rock, Arkansas, and later in Douglas, Wyoming, she experienced further disturbances and saw a 'boomerang-shaped craft'. Karen refuses to call it an alien abduction but is convinced of its reality. She describes the beings as 'humanoid and very intelligent' and felt immense love and compassion from them. She believes they imparted knowledge and technology. The experience left her confused and unable to write for two years. She has since worked with a psychiatrist and a university professor, evaluated her experience, and spent time alone in a cabin in Colorado. She concludes the experience was 'basically positive' but is not eager to repeat it, though she feels it has made her a 'better, more aware person' and deepened her work.

Presumed Ball Lightning (1987)

This report, dated November 24, 1987, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, describes an incident witnessed by Keith L. Partain. After a lightning strike near an oil refinery storage tank, a bluish sphere with red and yellow highlights, approximately 9 feet in diameter, appeared about 100 yards away. The sphere lasted for five seconds before fragmenting in a loud detonation, during which it became an irregular spheroid. Mr. Partain reported feeling the heat from the detonation. The weather was stormy with gales, rain, and lightning. The phenomenon was classified as GLBI or Ordinary Ball Lightning.

An accompanying caption notes that ball lightning figured above was seen near an Albany, NY, factory in 1975 and closely resembles the event reported by the Partains.

A ghost of Xmas past - or a UFO (Undated, likely late 1950s/early 1960s)

This account, attributed to Llowarch, recounts a sighting by a friend and his family in St. James Square, Aberystwyth, in the late 1950s or early 1960s. The friend's young daughter was awakened by a green light illuminating her room. Looking out the window, the friend observed a 'Christmas bell shaped object' hovering above a pub. The lower part of the object was green, the upper part glowed red, and the light pulsated, similar to many UFOs. The friend went outside to get a better view and observed the object heading towards the pier. He noted its light reflecting on the water of Cardigan Bay. The UFO moved in a pattern of rising, moving across, descending, and returning. It then zoomed off at enormous speed towards North Wales. The friend mentioned the incident to a policeman neighbor, who confirmed witnessing something odd in the night sky around the same time, even reporting that the object had landed on Constitution Hill. However, his colleagues dismissed his report, suspecting he was drinking on duty.

Corpse Candles & Will-o'-the-Wisp (References)

This section is a bibliography of references related to 'Corpse Candles' and 'Will-o'-the-Wisp', compiled by Bob Skinner. It lists numerous books, magazine articles, and folklore collections from various authors and publications, spanning from the late 18th century to the late 20th century, indicating a historical and folkloric interest in these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly unusual lights and potential UFO sightings, and their connection to folklore and historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of documentation and preservation of such reports, presenting them for reader consideration without overt skepticism or endorsement, encouraging further investigation through the provided references. The inclusion of both historical and contemporary accounts suggests an interest in the continuity of these phenomena across different eras.