Solar atmospheric phenomena. Titled: 'An extraordinary Appearance in a Mist near Lancaster', this artwork shows an optical phenomenon observed by a Mr William Cockin between 9 and 10 in the morning on 13 January 1768. A full description was published with this artwork in volume 70 (1780) of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, the paper being read out by the English naturalist Joseph Banks (1743-1820). The Sun was behind the observer, two bright spots were at left and right, and a rainbow-like arc at centre. The mist was described as arising from an overnight frost being thawed by the Sun.