ECLIPSE EXPEDITION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 134, 8 June 1937, Page 7

ECLIPSE EXPEDITION

MEMBERS OF PARTY BUSY INSTRUMENTS PREPARED. SYDNEY, June 6. A radio message received on Sunday from members of the Solar Eclipse Expedition states that eclipse drill was held again to-day, and both parties are all preparing for the eclipse day. All of the American instruments are completed and the New Zealand coronagraph is ready. The 78-inch camera will be completed on Monday. The observations indicate that two days in three are ideal at eclipse time. To-day Messrs. Buddle, Rose and Alton landed on the far side of the lagoon to study the birds. The American Geographic Society photographer, Mr. Stewart, has taken a complete record for the expedition of birds in a movie, and a still record has been made by the artist, Mr. Bettinger, on canvas. The New Zealanders dined with the Americans, when they took the opportunity to compare progress and discuss the problems of observations of the eclipse. Facing the lagoon is the largest assembly of instruments ever erected to observe an eclipse by Americans. Mr. Bettinger is painting the corona and Mr. Sanders is taking a movie of the whole eclipse. Navy technicians arc making ionosphere investigations. Two radio stations, three miles apart, will make observations and study signals since the landing. The message also gives details of the special tasks of other scientists. READY FOR ECLIPSE. Received June 8, 1.30 a.m. SYDNEY, June 7. A radio from the solar party at Canton Island states: “All the instruments are ready and members of both parties are rehearsing their duties in preparation for the eclipse. The weather is uncertain. The temperature is 86 degrees maximum and the first calm is being experienced.