ABSTRACT
THIS picture shows the wonderful observation made in various parts of the globe, chiefly in the north, of the sun’s and moon’s properties, considered in connection with the qualities of the air. 1 Thus, the sun rising unclouded but not glowing hot heralds a fine day, but if it is pale in colour it forecasts hail. If however it has set the day before in a clear sky, and rises so, one may be all the more confident of fair weather. If it rises saffron-coloured, this signifies rain, and similarly wind when the clouds are reddened just before sunrise. But, if it comes up among clouds that glow red, this also is a sign that rain will appear. When the clouds round the setting sun turn pink, they guarantee fine weather for the day to come. Yet if at its rising they are scattered, some to the south, others to the north, even if the sky round the sun is fair and unclouded, these are, nevertheless, indications of rain and wind; and if it rains at the sun’s setting, or its rays draw clouds towards themselves, this means there will be rough, stormy weather the next day. If, on the other hand, its beams do not project distinctly at sunrise, even though they are not encompassed by cloud they foretell rain. If the clouds are massed together before the sun rises, they give warning of violent rainfall; but if they are driven from the east and depart towards the west, you can expect good weather. If the clouds hem in the sun on all sides, but it is itself left unclouded, consisting of a single bright disk, the weather will then be very much wilder; but if in addition the disk is double, it will be even more terrible. Should this happen either at its rising or setting, in such a way that the clouds are reddened, a gigantic storm will arise. If the clouds do not encircle but settle over the sun, from whatever quarter the wind may blow, they presage the same thing; and if they come from the south, rain also.
Meaning of sun unclouded and of its other colours
Saffron-coloured
Meaning of sun red at setting
Beams more distinct at sunrise
Clouds
