SOLAR ECLIPSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20595, 20 June 1930, Page 12

SOLAR ECLIPSE.

PROPOSED EXPEDITION.

APPEAL MADE FOR FUNDS.

In October of this year a solar eclipse takes place visible at Niuafou, in tho Pacific Ocean, writes Professor P. W. Burbidge, president of the Aucldand Astronomical Society. For this eclipse valuable largo instruments have beon sent on loan to New Zealand by tho British Empire Eclipse Committee on tho understanding that observations wero undertaken by New Zealand. This was the intention of tho Government, but the present need for rigid economy lias led to tho radical reduction of the Government financial grant promised for this purpose. Tho work can still, however, be undertaken if a sum of £SOO can be raised to pay necessary expenses for food, transport and material.

Tho New Zealand Institute has granted £IOO, the Government has promised ft subsidy of £IOO, leaving £3OO to be raised by subscription. Willi £his money the Now Zealand Astoronomical Society can undertake the expedition. It is intended to take photographs of tho eclipse and also records of the flash spectrum, that is, the light from tlio outermost bright layers of tho sun's atmosphere. It is hardly necessary to point out that the acquisition of .the fullest knowledge of the sun is likely to be of tho most direct value to us, since the whole economy of man depends on tho sun's rays—by the sun we live. It is important to have this knowledge, the necessary instruments are now in Wellington, the main transport has boen courteously arranged by tho Navy, facilities are being granted, by the Tongan Governments the personnel is available under tho Dominion Astronomer, Dr. Adams—the only thing wanting is tho small sum of £3OO.

Tho New Zealand Astronomical Society has issued an appeal for this amount, and I am therefore, under the exceptional circumstances, taking this opportunity of asking your readers to help in this valuable scientific work. Any amounts will bo welcomed, and I shall bo pleased to receivo money sent for this purposo and to forward it to Wellington. Subscriptions should be sent to mo marked "For Eclipse Expedition" and addressed "Professor P. W. Burbidge, University College, Auckland." I trust that Auckland will help generously.