MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2485, 26 September 1922, Page 1

MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE.

REPORTS FROM TOTALITY ZONE. SYDNEY, Sept. 22. According to the Sydney observatory, the first contact with the eclipse came ten seconds earlier than the computed time, while the Stanthorpo party reported it was between three and four seconds later, and again the Wallal party reports the duration of totality was about four seconds shorter than predicted. These discrepancies are expected to be corrected when the details have been worked out and the necessary comparisons made. Descriptions from the totality zone speak of a weird, yellowish light cast upon the earth in the later phases, which grow to darkness with totality, while a long distance horizon of hills was seen silhouotted against the comparatively bright sky. A dcuth-iike stillness prevailed everywhere. The sight was presented of immense streamers from the carona, and is described as one of impressive magnificence. Then suddenly a wonderfully brilliant sheet of light cut through the darkened edge of the moon and the radiance of the corona was dimmed. Then the first streak of sunlight flashed out, and it was all over. Scientists expect that with the new appliances and modem methods employed the results will be far in advance of anything previously procured. Particular attention was given to what is known as the shadow bands, the display of which was exceptionally clear. A striking and exhaustive series of photographs was procured, which it is considered should go a long way to elucidate this branch of solar eclipse, work, about which there was formerly considerable doubt. AL Wallal, about KM photographs of various features bearing on the Einstein theory were secured. The temperature there during totality fell from 97 to 885 degrees. The natives around the scientists’ camps showed considerable fear and hid themselves in the bush until the sun returned. —Press Association.