Astronomy on the Falling Stars of November 13, 1833.
By D. T. Bourdeau
It is an acknowledged principle that truth cannot contradict truth; and we believe that true science always harmonizes with the Bible. Before me is Asa Smith’s Illustrated Astronomy, published in New York. On page 23, I find the following interesting testimony relative to the wonderful display of falling stars or meteors which occurred November 13, 1833:— “Q. When was the greatest meteoric display ever known? (See Note 2.) “A. On the nights of the 12th and 13th of November, 1833. “Q. What was the altitude of the meteors on this occasion? “A. Professor Olmstead says they were not less than 2938 miles above the earth.” The following is the note referred to in the first question:— “Note 2. We now come to by far the most splendid display on record; and as it was the third in successive years, and on the same day of the month, it seemed to invest the meteoric showers with a periodical character; and hence originated the title of November meteors. An incessant play of dazzlingly brilliant meteors was kept up in the heavens for several hours. Some of these were of considerable magnitude and peculiar in form. One of large size remained for some time almost stationary in the zenith, over the Falls of Niagara, emitting streams of light. The wild dash of the waters, as contrasted with the fiery uproar above them, formed a scene of unequalled sublimity. “In many districts the mass of the population were horror-struck, and the more enlightened were awed at contemplating so vivid a picture of the Apocalyptic image—that of the stars of heaven falling to the earth, even as a fig-tree casting her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” “A planter of South Carolina thus describes the effect of the scene upon the ignorant blacks: ‘I was suddenly awakened by the most distressing cries that ever fell on my ears. Shrieks of horror and cries for mercy, I could hear from most of the negroes of three plantations, amounting in all to about six or eight hundred. While earnestly listening for the cause, I heard a faint voice near the door, calling my name. I arose, and taking my sword, stood at the door. At this moment, I heard the same voice still beseeching me to rise, and saying, ‘O my God, the world is on fire.’ I then opened the door, and it is difficult to say which excited me the more, the awfulness of the scene, or the distressed cries of the negroes. Upwards of one hundred lay prostrate on the ground, some speechless, and some with the bitterest cries, but with their hands raised, imploring God to save the world and them. The scene was truly awful; for never did rain fall much thicker than the meteors fell toward the earth; east, west, north, and south, it was the same.’”