UNIQUE DATA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 209, 3 September 1932, Page 9

UNIQUE DATA.

Astounding Success of Eclipse Observers. SCIENTISTS REWARDED. (Received 9.30 n.m.) HAMILTON (Ontario), September 2. Astoundingly successful results rewarded a band of scientists who studied the solar eclipse at Actonvale, Quebec, on Wednesday, after working unceasingly for many hours on the combined computations of their totality data, it was announced on Friday. The results are far beyond expectations. The nucleus of the expedition was composed of members of the Koyal Astronomical Society, Hamilton branch. For three days observers glumly faced the prospect of a clouded eclipse. Then the clouds parted 10 minutes before the scheduled time, perfect visibility returning.

Twelve phenomenally clear plates recording the totality were exhibited by General R. B. March when lie stepped from the dark room where he had worked alone at the delicate developing process. His confreres believe that these platCβ are possibly the only perfect record obtained in North America. Equally sensational, and of possible scientific portent, was the chrometric measurement of the'totality duration at DO seconds, 12 seconds less than the MeGill University and Ottawa astronomers had predicted for that locality, and beginning one second later than astronomical experience dictated. This, the astronomers intimated, might mean that the moon motions are not yet accounted for. Observation of the corona streamer on the left showed a distinct curvature oi its arms, possibly a discovery of importance. The leader of the group, the Rev. Dr. D. B. March, B.Sc, F.R.A., aged 74, said: 'It may be a year before we know absolutely, but our quest may lead us into a very complete study. Whether we shall find anything sensational, of course, we cannot but guess at the moment. It is indicated frdm our blue filter that wo may have something, perhaps, which has not yet been found. It gives a certain different aspect of the yellow corona in a slightly different form than has been got before. It may be a reflection, who can say? But it may also be new elements."