In the days before accurate weather forecasting, a storm occurring around the time of the autumn equinox, when “the sun crosses the line,” was known as a “line storm.” “Crossing the line” referred to the moment when the sun is directly overhead on the earth’s equator before days in the northern hemisphere begin to grow shorter and nights longer with the approach of winter. Today we would recognize a line storm as a tropical storm or a hurricane.
The Whaling Museum will close at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, September 27.
The Nantucket Historical Association preserves and interprets the history of Nantucket through its programs, collections, and properties, in order to promote the island’s significance and foster an appreciation of it among all audiences.