SOLAR ECLIPSE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 123, 10 June 1937, Page 5

SOLAR ECLIPSE

Pre«s Aesn.-

Perfect Observation at Canton Island LASTED THRiE MINUTES

(By Tclegraph-

-Coprright.)

(Beceived 10, 8.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, June 9. A radio message from the scientists assembled on Ganton Island says, "Activity is right. We brought the night lights of both camps round the instruments; We had breakfast by lantern light, At sunrise all instruments were manned and ready. The men of H.M.S. Wbllington and the Avocet arrived to assist in the _ observations. The sky was clear till 4 a.m. when heavy, dark clouds appeared and anxiety prevailed. At dawn, two rainbows appeared in the southern skies, but with the rising of the sun, the sky cleared. "Two large white American aerial kites which were flying attracted blaek frigate birds which were circling noisily. The gradual darkening brought haek the birds to' land. "The first contact-was at 6.5 a.m.' "The Americans state there were the most perfect conditions for the eclipse cvex observed. There was' rapid darkening prior to totality. The only sound was the voiee of the announeer hroadcasting the' eclipse to America through loudspeakers, and the changing of camera plates. "The totality was at 7.5 a.m. and lasted over three minutes, but it was shorter than was calculated. The conditions were ideal. The light wind did not interfere and vibrate the instruments. "Bright stars and planets were visible at the totality. There was a smaJl drop in temperatures. "Mr Bichtmyer, the American physicist, measured the coronal light, which was equal to half that of 9. full moon. "After the eclipse, the scientists gathered to compare notes. All were elated at the observations Which were the most suceessful carried out. The programme complete, both parties will eommenee dismantling, packing and transporting equipment to the ships. All were interested in the two-way radio talk between Professor Alfred Fowler in London and American scientists. " The Americans expect to sail tomorrow eyening. The Americans are developing the majority of the plates at Canton Island. Those developed today show splendid results. In a broadcast from Washington this afternoon, the National Geographical Society extended greetings to the Americans, Mr Miehie and members of the New Zealand party."