SOLAR ECLIPSE.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 705, 7 February 1922, Page 4

SOLAR ECLIPSE.

A UNIQUE EVENT.

BRIEF GLIMPSE FROM NEW Z£A-

LAND

A unique event —the total eclipse of the sun —will take place on September 21st next although New Zealand residents will at the best have but a brief view of it.

The eclipse track passes over theIndian Ocean, and through the centre of Australia, but thence a couple , '~ of hundred miles to the north of - N.Z. Unfortunately for Dominion residents interested in astronomical matters, the eclipse—which for the North Island will be 3 parts of the sun’s surface —will take place a few minutes before sunset, and then will only be seen provided that the weather conditions are suitable.

In Australia the eclipse will probably be seen under most favourable circumstances and elaborate arrangements are being made in scientific circles to witness it.

The chief observation point in Australia will be Wallal, on the coast of Western Austraia, between Perth and Broome, and astronomical expeditions from United States, Canada and Australia will gather there.

Many communications between the Federal Government and the astronomers concerned have been madethrough the Commonwealth Meterological Bureau, which has been preparing climatological data for the wholestrip of country from Walla! (W.A.), through Alice Springs (N.T.), to Lismore (N.S.W.) over which the shadow of the moon will pass. This has been done for the purpose of assisting astronomers to select the most suitable site for observing the eclipse.. The Commonwealth Meteorologist (Mr H. A. Hunt) has furnished' information regarding weather conditions at different stations on the eclipse track. Christmas Island, seleced by the Astronomer Royal, Greenwich, “has the very serious d&adavantage of a heavy and variable rainfall, also a shorter duration of the totality (314 minutes.)” Wallal “has the clearest skies and lowest rainfall, as well as the longest duration of totality (51 miuntes), but the possibility of a thin veil of cirrus cloud, which not infrequently occurs, must not be* overlooked.” This would prevent photographic observations of the stars near the sun at the time of the eclipse. At Goondiwindi the average September Hainfall is l%ih, the average humidity at 3 o’clock in the afternoon is 42 per cent., and the average amount of cloud 28 per cent.. The duration of totality here is 3% minutes. Conditions here may be unfavourable at the time of the ecLipse. In Central Australia where, as *s well known, clear skies and excellent conditions for astronomical observations prevail, the probability of the eclipse being successfully observed is greater than at Christmas Island or Goondiwindi, and, in the event of failure at these two and at Wallal, as is possible, there would be universal 1 egret. The approaching eclipse has been (referred to by Mr J. T. Wand who stated that he had had a letter from Dr Campbell, of Lick Observaatory, stating Jhat a party of nine were coming out to make observations. Mr Ward is endeavouring to persuade them to come via Auckland, and after visiting Rotorua, to come ov the river to Wanganui. He added that it was possible that a New Zealand astronomical party would proceed to Wallal, although personally he did not expect to be able to make the trip, as the expense will be considerable. Tn astronomical circles the best success of the expedition is hoped for, the great essential in this connection being aa clear sky at the time of observation. In this connection Mr Ward recalled the eclipse of the sun in 1885, when he was fortunate enough to have every success with his observations at Castlepoint. The Government astronomer of that period chose the vicinity of Master ton, and had the misfortune of clouds preventing any observations being taken.