SOLAR ECLIPSE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 137, 11 June 1937, Page 7

SOLAR ECLIPSE

CONDITIONS PERFECT SUCCESS OF OBSERVATION CANTON ISLAND PARTIES SYDNEY, June 9. Sunset saw all instruments manned and ready for the observation of the eclipse of the sun at Canton Island, Phoenix Group, states a radio message from the party. Men from H.MJS. Wellington and the Avocet arrived to assist in the observations. The sky was clear earlier, but heavy dark clouds appeared and anxiety prevailed. At dawn two rainbows appeared in the southern sky. With the rising of the sun the sky cleared. Two large white American aerial kites were flying and they attracted black frigate birds which circled noisily. The gradual darken- ‘ ing brought back the birds to land. The first contact was at 6.5 a.m. The Americans state the conditions were the most perfect for an eclipse ever observed. The rapid darkening before totality was- reached silenced the birds, and the only sounds were the voice of the announcer of the broadcast of the eclipse and the changing of the camera plates. Three Minutes Totality Totality was reached at 7.5 and lasted for over three minutes, but it was shorter than was expected. There was a light wind, but it did not interfere with or vibrate the instruments. There was an extensive corona with exquisite details. Streamers measured 3,120,000 miles. There was a sunspot of the maximum type, but the prominences were not as large as was expected. Bright stars and planets were visible at the period of totality, and there was a small drop in the temperature. After the eclipse the scientists gathered to compare notes. All were elated with the observations, which were the most successful ever made. The New Zealand party’s programme completed, both parties started dismantling, packing, and transporting the equipment to the ships." All were on board the Wellington in the evening, and the ship is to sail for Apia to-night after Mr Geddes completes his zodiacal light observations. The Americans expect to sail to-morrow evening. The Americans are developing the majority of the plates takes at Canton Island. Those developed to-day show splendid results. In a broadcast from Washington this afternoon the National Geographical Society extended greetings to the Americans and Mr Michie and members of the New Zealand party, and expressed pleasure at the success of the observations.