1902-1903 massive dust and meteor events affected multiple continents. In November 1902, the greatest fall of matter in Australian history occurred On November 14, 1902, it rained mud in Tasmania Haze extended from Australia to Hong Kong with hundreds of millions of tons of matter falling

In November 1902, the greatest fall of matter in Australian history occurred — it rained mud in Tasmania on November 14. Haze extended from Australia to Hong Kong with hundreds of millions of tons of matter falling across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and Europe. Ships had crews shoveling mud off decks to prevent capsizing. Fires fell from the sky in Victoria, igniting houses. On February 14, 1903, the blackest darkness over Australia was followed by dust and mud on 40 towns in New South Wales and Victoria. Scientists at the time lacked explanations — meteorologists suggested African Sahara sand, but no storms were reported there, and Sahara sand is white, not red.

Key Facts

  • In November 1902, the greatest fall of matter in Australian history occurred
  • On November 14, 1902, it rained mud in Tasmania
  • Haze extended from Australia to Hong Kong with hundreds of millions of tons of matter falling
  • Dust and mud fell on Australia, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Europe in 1902-1903
  • Ships had to have crews on deck to shovel mud off to prevent capsizing
  • Fires fell from the sky in Victoria, Australia, igniting houses and buildings
  • On February 14, 1903, the blackest darkness over Australia occurred, followed by dust and mud on 40 towns in New South Wales and Victoria
  • Scientists at the time lacked explanations for the dust's origin outside of Earth
  • Meteorologists initially suggested African sand from the Sahara, but no storms were reported there in 1903
  • Sahara sand is white, not red