New England's Dark Day
| Date | May 19, 1780 |
|---|---|
| Location | New England |
| Type | Weather phenomenon |
| Cause | Combination of smoke from forest fires, a thick fog and cloud cover. |
| Outcome | Candles were required from noon on |
New England's Dark Day occurred on May 19, 1780, when an unusual darkening of the daytime sky was observed over the New England states and parts of eastern Canada. The primary cause of the event is believed to have been a combination of smoke from forest fires, a thick fog, and cloud cover. The darkness was so complete that candles were required from noon on. It did not disperse until the middle of the next night.