St Elmos Fire on Spar
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St Elmos Fire on Spar
Sailors in the rigging alarmed by the appearance of St Elmos Fire at the tip of a spar
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 583160
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10032262
1894 Alarmed Appearance Luminous Phenomena Rigging Sailors Spar
EDITORS COMMENTS
St. Elmo's Fire on Spar: A Natural Phenomenon that Alarmed Sailors in the 19th Century This photograph, taken in 1894, captures the enigmatic and awe-inspiring appearance of St. Elmo's Fire on the tip of a spar. St. Elmo's Fire, also known as the Corpuscular Phenomenon or the Dance of St. Elmo, is a natural electrical discharge that occurs at the tips of tall, pointed objects, such as masts and spars, during electrical storms at sea. The phenomenon is named after St. Elmo, the patron saint of sailors, and is believed to have been first observed by ancient mariners. The luminous discharge, which can take the form of flickering blue or purple flames, is caused by the ionization of the air around the object, creating a conductive path for the electrical charge. The appearance of St. Elmo's Fire was a common sight for sailors in the 19th century, and it was often met with a mixture of wonder and alarm. While some sailors believed that the fire was a divine sign of protection, others believed that it was a harbinger of impending doom. In fact, some sailors believed that the fire was a sign that a lightning strike was imminent, and they would often take precautions to protect themselves and their ships. Despite the many theories and superstitions surrounding St. Elmo's Fire, scientists have yet to fully understand the exact cause of this fascinating natural phenomenon. Today, it continues to be a subject of fascination for scientists, historians, and anyone with a curiosity for the natural world. This photograph, taken over a century ago, serves as a reminder of the power and mystery of the natural world and the importance of continuing to explore and learn about the phenomena that surround us.
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