I never, though, knew of
any one to attempt to account for this by "meteoric dust;" and yet it is
an embodiment of the same principle. Place the sun where the moon is,
and from its far superior abundance of light we have a much grander
display.
Under no other conditions or relations of the sun and earth is it
possible to have this phenomenon of the delicate red sky but when a
positive area of high barometer is passing and extends over us. In
order to produce this effect we must have the clear atmosphere of high
barometer, when there is a minimum of moisture present. The action of
the sun's rays upon this extensive area of slightly moist rarefied
air is unconfined by clouds, and reaches far and wide, and produces
a delicacy of color which from no other source or condition can be
realized.
ISAAC P. NOYES.
Washington, D. C., 1884.
* * * * *
A THEORY OF COMETARY PHENOMENA.
_To the, Editor of the Scientific American_:
The following subject, substantially, was written more than a year ago
with a view to its publication.
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