GAZETTE columnist Ariel was watching the skies a century ago and enjoying what he saw.

"Much attention has been paid lately to the remarkable sunsets which are at present visible," he wrote.

"Scientists attribute the phenomena to the dust ejected from the volcanic eruptions in the West Indies. At about 8.30, the western horizon assumes a golden tint which becomes deeper as the night wears on. Beautiful red beams of light can be observed radiating upwards, constantly changing in brilliancy and position.

"The sun sinks in a hazy film of bluish-green mist, while the small clouds floating near the horizon seem edged with fire."

The columnist also recorded with interest a "brilliant meteor which shot across the sky high up in the south-east on Sunday evening".