ECLIPSE OBSERVERS IN TONGA.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11111, 8 May 1911, Page 5

ECLIPSE OBSERVERS IN TONGA.

.- o , BEPOHT FROM ME. WEAGGE. .'.IBy TelcEraph.-Prcss Association.) Auckland, May 7. The following ! message- from Mr. Clemjnt Wragge arrived to-day by tho Bieamer Purley, which called at the ls-

"1. organised a special eclipse expedition to _ Lifuka. anci Moungaone Island '{'i'ongan group). A magnificent view was obtained; witn a cloudless sky.. During tho. entire period of totality, tho weird light, culminating with a purplo darkness over the oesan, and the ripple of the palms, afforded a unique spectacle. Altogether ten photographs of .tho total phase were secured, besides others during the progress of the eclipse, three sketches. The hydrogen flames were especially •maiketl on the S.E." and N.E. quadrants, 'some, leaping higher than others from a continuous ridgo of red -flame. The biggest red flamo exceeded 173,000 miles. On ths.-S.W. and N.E. quadrants four great coronao appeared (two from each quadrant), and they extended from tho sun's limb to over 100,000 miles. Observing also, with tho telescope, it was most interesting watching the obscuring by the Biooa of a huge sunstorm fully 80,000 Jniles in diameter. ■-. .-. "The natives rushed into their houses in [right. Venus was a striking object in the eastern .sky. At.Vavau, unfortunately, fche sky was reported cloudy, and the observations there were marred in consequence. The photographs have been sealed up, and will be developed in New Zealand."