Kensington, Pennsylvania, USA — 17 July 1829
Bright red object crossing the Delaware
Between 11 P.M. and midnight “a meteor of rather singular character” arose from the neighbourhood of the Schuylkill, passed over Kensington and the river Delaware, and disappeared behind the woods of Jersey. “A long trail of light, like that of a shooting star was seen to follow it in the beginning of its ascension; large sparkles that separated themselves from it and descended slowly, were distinctly visible until hidden from view by the tops of the houses. Its motions were rapid, irregular, and wavering, like the fluttering of a kite or the rocking of an air balloon. “Its appearance was of a deep red colour, and remarkably brilliant, seemingly about half the size of the moon. It arose until it crossed the Delaware, when it appeared but an inconsiderable speck scarcely discernable, and then descended with astonishing velocity until within a short distance of the horizon, where it remained stationary for a few moments. “Suddenly it became exceedingly large and brilliant, sparkles again separated from the main body, and descended as before. It soon after became dim and disappeared behind the trees. Altogether, I should suppose it was visible about fifteen or twenty minutes.”
Source: Hazard’s Register of Pennsylvania A, 3 (July 18, 1829): 48. 410. Case: W363