THE ECLIPSE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1937, Page 5

THE ECLIPSE

SUCCESSFULLY OBSERVED. (Australian Prjss Association.) SYDNEY, June 9. A radio niesage from the Solar party states: Activity right; through the night saw lights hi tboth camps, round the instruments. Breakfast was eaten by lantern light. At sunrise, all the instruments were manned, ready. The first contact occurred at 6.5 p-m. The Americans stfite that the most perfect conditions ruled for the eclipse that were ever observed. There was rapid darkening, prior to totality. Silence reigned, the birds nesting, and the only sounds being the voice of the announcer who broadcast the eclipse to America, the counters through loudspeakers, and the changing of camera plates. Totality occurred at 7.5 p.m., and lasted for over three minutes, but was shorter than calculated. There were ideal conditions, and the light wind, did not interfere to vibrate the instruments.

The extensive corona had exquisite details. The streamers measured 3.12 •million miles, a sunspot of the maximum type. The prominences were not so large as expected. Bright stars and planets were visible. At totality, there was a small drop in temperatures. Both parties observed the shadow bands of Bailv’s Heads. Richtmyer, the American physicist, measured tlio coronal light, which was equal to half the full moon.

1 After the eclipse, the scientists gathered to compare notes. All were elated, as the observations wero most successfully carried out. The. New Zealand programme was completed. Both parties will commence dismantling, packing, and transporting to the ships. All were interested in the two-way radio talk by Professor Alfred Fowler, in London, to the American scientists, and Michie’s (New Zealand) observations on the bird life at Canton. The party is going aboard the Wellington this evening, and is booked to sail for Apia to-night- after Gecldes completes his zodiac light observations. The Americans expect to sail to-mor-row evening. i

The Americans are developing the majority of their plates at Canton. Those developed to-day, show splendid results. %

In a broadcast from Washington, this afternoon, the National Geographical Society extended greetings to the Americans, Michie, and the members of the New Zealand party, and pleasure at their success. Thomsen made nine exposures on the cona-cain-era. and Michie six on the 7.8-inch camera, during" totality. These will bo developed later., to