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64 earth's atmosphere; and the observations of some, who found the breadth of the ring to increase on the west side of the moon as the emersion approached, together with the contrary sentiments of those whose judgment I shall always revere, makes me less confident, especially in a matter whereto I own I gave not all the attention requisite.

"Whatever it was, this ring appeared much brighter and whiter near the body of the moon than at a distance from it; and its outward circumference, which was ill defined, seemed terminated only by the extreme rarity of the matter it was composed of; and in all respects resembled the appearance of an enlightened atmosphere viewed from far; but whether it belonged to the sun or moon I shall not at present undertake to decide.

"During the whole time of the total eclipse I kept my telescope constantly fixed on the moon, in order to observe what might occur in this uncommon appearance: and I found that there were perpetual flashes or coruscations of light, which seemed for a moment to dart out from behind the moon, now here, now there, on all sides; but more especially on the western side before the emersion; and about two or three seconds before it, on the same western side where the sun was just coming out, a long and very narrow streak of a dusky but strong red light seemed to colour the dark edge of the moon; though nothing like it had been seen immediately after the immersion. But this instantly vanished upon the first appearance of the sun, as did also the aforesaid luminous ring."