Singular Phenomenon

The citizens of this village were much astonished, in the 1st inst. at the appearance of one of those singular and unusal [unusual] exhibitions, termed parhelia [perihelia]. It was about 2 o'clock, P. M. that we first observed the singular phenomenon. At this time the heavens presented the

following appearance: Around the sun there was a circle of light, such as is frequently seen around the sun and moon. The diameter of this appeared to be about 45 degrees; outside of this there was another circle, or rather segment of a circle, for it was not complete, seeming like-wise to have the sun for its centre [center], and whose diameter was about twice that of the former.-This circle was far less distinct than the former; and only the upper portion, perhaps, half was visible. Extending around the whole horizon, and apparently equally distant from it in every part, was a third circle, cutting the former at right angles, and passing through the sun. At the points of intersection between this and the inner circle, surrounding the sun, were two colored images, very distinct, which might have been, and were, for an instant mistaken for the sun by persons who were in such a situation that they could not see the sun itself. In brilliant and white images-one each side of the two former, and apparently at equal distances from them, and also of course, from the sun. These two last images were each perhaps about 100 degrees from the sun. There was also a fourth segment of a circle, presenting the appearance and brilliant colors of the rainbow.-About one third of the circle could be seen. It was high above the horizon and seemed to have a point in or near the zenith as its centre; if completed, its diameter would have been perhaps 45 degrees. It was, of course, convex towards the sun and just touched the outer circle surrounding the sun. The colors of the rainbow were exceedingly distinct-the red being next the sun and the others in order.

At about quarter past two, the appearance was most brilliant, the four images and the four circles being then all visible. From this time it began to fade away, the circles and images disappearing one at a time, until about 3 P. M., when nothing unusal [unusual] could been seen.

Similar phenomena, though rare, have been witnessed in various places. One in particular, we find recorded, as having been seen in 1630, which corresponds in almost every particular with this.