Atmospheric Phenomenon Startles Jersey Folks

1922

Asbury Park, N. J., April 23. — Gaseous odors flashed through space to the south of this place at 9 o'clock tonight, disappearing in a thunderous roar and frightening residents of many coast towns.

Window panes in residences at Toms river were shattered by the explosion and the gas, polluting the atmosphere for more than a quarter of an hour, compelled the residents to hold dampened handkerchiefs to their nostrils.

In Lakehurst, many of the buildings were shaken, as if by an earthquake, but the gas was not noticed.

A party led by two town officials has set out for the spot at which the meteor fell. It is believed the spot is near Brown's-Mill-in-the-Pines, a village 30 miles from here.

The atmospheric phenomenon, according to many of the persons who witnessed it, lasted for about a minute. But a tiny streak of light at first, it became beautifully colored as it neared earth and at times it seemed to halt momentarily in space, adopted a new course, and then zig-zagged back again, witnesses declared.

The meteor fell in the sea, about a mile off shore at Seaside Park, 35 miles south of here, it is reported.

The celestial mass, as it struck the water, caused an explosion that shook the residences of the village and threw spray to a great height, residents say. Volumes of steam then arose and, drifting ashore, nauseated many.

Members of two coast guard companies say they believe the phenomenon was caused by a large explosive rocket. No trace of a giant rocket could be found, however.

—Oneonta Daily Star, Oneonta, New York, April 24, 1922, page 1.