ECLIPSE OF THE SUN On July 21st.

Northland Age, Volume 25, Issue 14, 30 July 1925, Page 2

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN On July 21st.

(Contributed)The recent eplipse of the sun was of interest to astronomers all over New Zealand. Many were disappointed owing to the unfavourable morning, but the party that journeyed from Kaitaia to see the annulus were more fortunate.

Dr. Adams, the Government astonomer, and Mr. Allison, a visitor from Wanganui, had been on the spot several days, making observations and preparing equipment for the interesting event. When the Kaitaia party arrived at Te Paki, the evening before the eclipse they found that the site chosen was Mr. Keen’s verandah. This verandah faced the rising sun, and had sufficient elevation to enable observations to be taken to advantage. Monday evening was spent beside a big fire. Plans were discussed for the morning. Each of the party was allotted some task, It was impossible for one man to do everything. Details were described, and maps produced showing probable phenomena.

Early on Tuesday morning the whole party were astir. By daylight, telescopes were being set and instrumentsadjusted. Clouds | were all round, and a few heavy banks passed along the horizon about sunrise. “Every Cbud has a silver lining” but the gentleman who sat behind the small telescope declared that he did not . want even the “silver linings” 1 His bid was for a clear sky. As soon as the eastern horizon cleared, the first glimpse of the i eclipse was seen. Apparently the sun and the moon were still on the courses for at 7.30 the sun was half eclipsed. Turn about each had a look through the telescope. More clouds came over, and all were anxions that they should clear before the critical moment. Fortunately, a short time before the annulus began, the clouds rolled by, and the sun was fairly clear, It remained thus for about ten minutes. All hands were now at their posts, and the doctor gave the signal that it was only a matter of seconds till the annulus would begin. The doctor himself controlled the camera, while his chief assistant sat behind the small telescope, ready to give the signal and also to keep a lookout for Bailey’s Beads. One of the Kaitaia party was entrusted with the spectroscope, while another acted as timekeeper. Others were on the the lookout for Castor, and Pollux and Procyon, bright stars near the sun, andothers were watching; , j for shadow bands. V& As soon as the ring of the ann- y■ ulus was complete the observer jx the small telescoptTgMie-ttfesig-nal, and click went the camera, while the timekeeper noted the time. The annulus lasted 2 minutes 40 seconds. The camera clicked again at the moment of central coincidence, and again when the ring began to break, The annulus was fairly wide although not a maximum. Seen through smoked glass it looked a plain gold circuit. As soon as the ring broke the eclipse became more and more partial. Several photos of the partial phase were taken, and then all began to feel hungry. At breakfast a very enjoyable half-hour was spent discussing the phenomenon.

After breakfast an observation was taken of the final phases, and then packing began. In a brief space of time the party had broken up and were homeward bound. All were well satisfied with the trip, and Dr. Adams the observations taken were most successful and valuabie, and he hopes to visit Te Paki once more to see another annular eclipse which will take place in January 1927. The whole party were much indebted to Mr. Keen for his thoughtful hospitality. Everything possible was done for the comfort and convenience of the visitors.