Aurora Borealis
luminous meteoric phenomenon appearing in the N., most frequently in high latitudes, the corresponding phenomenon in the southern hemisphere being called aurora australis, and both being also called polar light, streamers, etc. The northern aurora has been far the most observed and studied. It usually manifests itself by streams of light ascending toward the zenith from a dusky line of cloud or haze a few degrees above the horizon, and stretching from the N. toward the W. and E., so as to form an arc with its ends on the horizon, and its different parts and rays are constantly in motion.
Sometimes it appears in detached places; at other times it almost covers the whole sky. It assumes many shapes and a variety of colors, from a pale red or yellow to a deep red or blood color; and in the northern latitudes serves to illuminate the earth and cheer the gloom of the long winter nights. The appearance of the aurora borealis so exactly resembles the effects of artificial electricity that there is every reason to believe that their causes are identical. The aurora borealis is fr frequently accompanied by sound, which is variously described as resembling the rustling of pieces of silk against each other, or the sound of wind against the flame of a candle. The aurora of the southern hemisphere is quite a similar phenomenon to that of the northern.
AURUNGZEBE (au-rung-zēb'), known as the Great Mogul, or Emperor of Hindustan, born Oct. 22, 1618. He was the son of Shah Jehan, and properly named Mohammed, but received from his grandfather that of Aurungzebe (Ornament of the Throne). After deposing and imprisoning his father, and putting his brothers to death, Aurungzebe, in 1658, was crowned sole monarch of the great Mogul Empire. His long reign was more remarkable for its internal policy than for its outward events. Aurungzebe carried on many wars, conquered Golconda and Beejapur, and subjugated the Mahrattas.
Aurungzebe died at Ahmednuggur, in the Deccan, Feb. 21, 1709, master of 21 provinces, and of a revenue of about $200,000,000.
AUSTEN