An extraordinary meteor was observed on Thursday evening, September 18, at approximately a quarter past the hour. Numerous observers reported that the phenomenon appeared to explode, scattering brilliant fragments over the city accompanied by a loud noise that did not exactly resemble thunder or artillery but was nonetheless distinct.
Reports from various regions suggest the event was visible across an area spanning several hundred miles. While observers in different locations perceived the meteor occupying the same relative position, the distance between them likely accounts for this shared observation.
In California, accounts from different towns provided varying perspectives on the event. A correspondent from Sacramento Union reported that the meteor started near an oak tree two miles southeast of their location and exploded at a brickyard half a mile west of town. Meanwhile, reports from Placerville described the meteor as having a terrific character, noting it passed from the southeast to the northwest and exploded with a report loud enough to make the earth tremble.
Other regional accounts included observations from Marysville, where a trembling of the earth was felt, and Stockton, where the meteor illuminated the sky so brightly that people rushed into the streets. The Stockton Argus described the appearance as resembling fire jets scattered from a rocket during its descent.
In the area of Pacific Beach, Mr. Green reported seeing a meteor as large as a full moon that appeared to go out upon contacting the earth. Additionally, reports from the Calaveras Chronicle noted that after describing an arc of at least 87 degrees, the meteor separated into several fragments and seemed to descend toward the earth.
