ECLIPSES IN JUNE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3649, 9 June 1927, Page 1

ECLIPSES IN JUNE

ONE FOR NEW ZEALAND.

The month of June will be remarkable for ils variety of celestial phenomena. Unfortunately,.the eliiel ot these will he one which will not he visible in this part of the world—a total eclipse of the suit. Ihe rarity id the phenomenon in any one spot on the globe may he gauged from the fact that England has not had the pleasure of witnessing a total eclipse of the sun since the year 1724. As there will not be another one until 100!), that of June the 20th, will be the only one that the present generation of inhabitants of England will ever see unless they journey to places abroad. The totality is of but abolit half a minute's duration, and the eclipse will be visible as a total one only in the north of England. •That of 100!) will go to the opposite extreme, being visible only only round about Land's End.

As a consolation for missing the total eclipse of the sun. New Zealand, in common with all other countries whore the moon will be above the horizon, will on I.sth .June experience a lengthy total eclipse of the moon. Shortly after (i p.m. on that date the shadows of the earth will begin to eclipse the fulK.moon. At about 7.45 p.m. the moon will be. siding iho heavens totally eclipsed and will remain so until an hour and a-quarter later, when the shadow will begin to move off.

After 21st June the comet which rejoices in the name of Pons Winhecke should begin to be visible in the Southern Hemisphere. At that date it will be low down on the northern horizon, but in July and August it should be a striking object. in our southern skies, although it will have passed perihelion. This comet is already faintly visible in the Northern Hemisphere. Its return has been eagerly awaited by astronomers, and if it comes up to expectations it should be visible to the naked eye, being at any rate an easy telescopic object. It may be that its passage will be accompanied by a ineteoritic display. By the time Pons Winneeke becomes visible to us in New Zealand it will, unfortunately, lie retreating into the confines of space, aiyl, therefore, growing fainter and- fainter, but the fascinating uncertainty connected with comets and their behaviour always adds interest to their visits.