from Frost and Fire, mid-1800s

(page 384)

“... saw a fire-ball, which seemed larger than the moon, pass over their heads, revolving on its axis: it cast off sparks and jets of white vapour in every direction, and it burst like a shell at last, scattering shining fragments, which disappeared behind a cloud. An observer maintained that after the explosion of brilliant sparks he saw a dark red globe continue its course.”