ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

Taranaki Daily News, 30 September 1929, Page 12

ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

EVENT DURING NEXT YEAR. EXPEDITION TO NIUAFOU. Although mot duo to take place for just o.ver a year hence, the total eclipse of the sun on October 21, 1930, is already a subject of interest amongst the. Dominion’s astronomers. The only, spot from'which tho phenomenon can, be conveniently observed is the island of Niuafou, or Tin Can Island, which is some 300 miles north of Tonga, roughly half-way between Suva and Apia, to this rather lonely spot in the Pacific Dominion astronomers intend going. Some details of the eclipse were given in a paper by Mr. I*. W. Glover, F.R.A.S., which, in the author’s absence, was read by Dr. C. E. Government Astronomer, at last Wednesday night’s meeting -of the Wellington Philosophical Society. The eclipse, it was stated, would, be visible throughout New Zealand, but as a partial eclipse only. The suitability of Niuafou Island as an observing station for the eclipse has been reported upon by Mr. A. Thomson, Director of the Apia Conservatory. Oi the two land areas in the track of totality, this island will unquestionably be the most advantageous, since it is closer to the central line of the eclipse and also because the sun’s altitude will be greater there at mid-eclipse than at Nurakita, the other island in the track of totality. The central line of eclipse passes about five miles from the selected observing station, which is a point on the hill °Piu-ofa-hega, which has an altitude of 557 feet. The island of Niuafou is a purely volcanic one, and serious activity has been recorded on five occasions since 1853. In that year many lives were lost, and a village was destroyed by an outburst of volcanic activity. In 1867 serious activity took place in the south of the island,'and there was another, violent eruption in 1886, when Falcon Island, at the same time, was elevated 50 feet. Another eruption took place in 1912, when lava flower near the coastal village of Futu. Finally the eruption of July this year destroyed the village of Futu. At the same time it most unfortunately destroyed the best . landingplace on the island, the only one sheltered from the prevailing winds which blew from the east or south-east foi a part of the period from September 0 to November. This, however, should not be an insuperable difficulty, as the landing-place will probably be reconstructed before the eclipse. Failin<r this, there is another landing-place at° Anagaha, in the north, and another on the west, although neither is so easily accessible as Futu. Computations show that the situation of the sun is good for obser\ ing purposes at the time of totality, and that the duration of totality (91 seconds) is sufficient to permit’ of a fairly extensive observing programme. Fiom the meteorological standpoint the eclipse will take'place at the best possible time of day (just after 9 a.m.) to give a prospect of good weather, clear sky, ’and excellent visibility. “In fact,” says Mr. Glover, “the eclipse seems to be especially favourable except in the number, location and distribution of possible observing stations. It is to be hoped that encouragement will be given to the proposal to organise an observing expedition from this country, especially as it is now understood that no expedition will be going from England, at least officially.” The opinion was expressed during the discussion on the paper that it might be possible to borrow astronomical instruments for the event and thus help the finances of the expedition. The programme of observations would depend entirely upon what money and what instruments were available. A resolution was passed asking the New Zealand Institute to support tho request' for; the loan of instruments.