TOTAL ECLIPSE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 153, 31 May 1937, Page 7

TOTAL ECLIPSE

PREPARING FOR JUNE 8. EXPEDITION BUSY. TEMPERATURE AT 84. (United Press Association—By Electric Te legraph—Copyright.) Reeeievd May 31, 10.5 a.m. SYDNEY, May 31. A radio message from the solar expedition states: “Canton Island is a paradise for the student of natural history. We have already obtained many specimens for the Auckland and Wellington museums. '

“The Americans are adjusting their instruments, which, are pointing to the sky like howitzers. On Saturday night we made observations, photographing the moon and stars. On Sunday the making of concrete bases for the 78iricli camera was commenced alongside the American instrfiments.

“The temperature is 84 in the shade. The army tents used by both parties are pitched in lines, the Americans having 20 and New Zealand four. The Americans are well acclimatised and the only clothing the . majority wear is a loin cloth and tinted glasses, which are essential to avoid sun glare. The land is infested with crabs, which enter the tents and beds when we are asleep. Sharks are abundant and we make frequent hauls of fish. Both parties are settling down and preparing for the eclipse day.”

The total eclipse takes place on June 8. Astronomers refer to it as “one of the greatest eclipses in 'history,” clue to the fact that the total phase as seen from the earth will be the longest that has occurred tor over 1000 years.