METEORS

(Yunanca köken — orijinale bakınız.) A name given to any phenomena of a transitory nature which have their origin in the atmosphere. Meteors are of various kinds. Some are produced simply by a disturbance of the equilibrium of the atmospheric fluid, and are called aerial meteors. (See Winds, Whirlwinds.) A second cla arise from the deposition of the aqueous particles which the atmosphere holds in solution, and which are precipitated in consequence of a diminution of pre ure or temperature, sometimes in a fluid and sometimes in a concrete form. These are called aqueous meteors. (See Dew, Fogs, Hail, Rain, Snow, Vapour, .) A third cla of meteors, or atmospherical phenomena, are caused by the action of the aqueous particles dispersed in the atmosphere on the rays of light. These are called luminous meteors. {See Fata Morgan a, Halo, Mirage, Parhelia, Rainbow.) A fourth cla are the igneous meteors, comprehending those which present the phenomena distinctive of combustion. See Aerolite, Aurora Borealis, Fire Balls, Lightning, Shooting Stars, . [s. 749]