ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 20 June 1936, Page 7

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE EXCELLENT RESULTS OBTAINED CHAIN OF STATIONS WATCH (United Press Association—Ey Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 20th June, 9.30 a.m.). LONDON, 19th June. In the chain of stations from the Mediterranean to Japan scientists and explorers equipped with giant telescopes, aeroplanes, and the latest scientific instruments watched the total eclipse of the sun. Reports from Russia describe the spectacle as magnificent, clouds dispersing at the last minute. Professor Carroll, leader of the, British expedition at Omsk, reports excellent results, although transparent clouds obscured intermittently the eclipse, which lasted 136 seconds. As daylight faded grass and leaves lost their colour under a thin and sickly sun. Then as the last ray was extinguished, a thick darkness and heavy shadows rushed over the earth, enveloping the scientists, whose eyes were glued to telescopes and instruments. After tense minutes light broke out from the edge of the sun, the shadow and gloom rapidly dispersed, and daylight returned. Professor Carroll, broadcasting, said: “The conditions could hardly have been bettered. We hope the photographic plates will show all we expect.” The Harvard University expedition at Akbulak reports good conditions. As the shadow crept over the sun the sky became a deep blue, and stars and planets were visible close to the sun. SHADOW 82 MILES WIDE Members of the Harvard eclipse expedition” at Akbulak state that the coronp was very clear, being silverwhite; in colour and had the shape of a live-pointed star. The corona appeared to be twice the diameter of the sun. Some Soviet expeditions report interference by clouds. It is estimated that the shadow, which was 82 miles wide, crossed 4471 miles of Soviet territory in 133 minutes. 1 Forty expeditions from many nations were in its path, some using aeroplanes four miles up in the clearer atmosphere and sending up balloons six miles. SUPERSTITIOUS POPULACE At Istanbul, for the first time on record, there was no shooting by the superstitious populace at the eclipse. Previously there was a widespread" belief that the eclipse was due to a dragon devouring the sun and it was customary to shoot to frighten the monster. Although the superstition has died, anxiety was still apparent, the lower classes fearing a sinister portent, The eclipse lasted 113 minutes with a totality of eighty seconds. Early workers in London saw a partial eclipse in perfect conditions. A quarter of the sun was obscured at Tokio.

- MARRED BY CLOUDS Half a minute beforehand clouds ‘ marred the British expedition’s observation at Kamishari, North Hokkaido, the disappointment being shared by tne Australia, Indian and American parties located in this small village, where six weeks had been spent in mounting twelve tons of instruments. It is estimated that there were 160 other scientists elsewhere on the island, who had perfect observations, some using aeroplanes. The totality lasted 113 seconds. A commentary from Hokkaido was broadcast throughout Japan. At Athens thousands went to the countryside to watch the eclipse in beautiful weather. British, Greek, Polish and Italian scientists had splendid results.