THE ECLIPSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1922, Page 5

THE ECLIPSE.

VIEW IN TOTALITY ZONE. PERFECT CONDITIONS. GOOD RESULTS EXPECTED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Sept. 22, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 22. Latest advices from the totality zone show that the eclipse was observed under perfect conditions and the scientists ar? highly satisfied with the results. The Goodiwindi station reports that the eclipse was up to standard time. As totality approached the atmosphere distinctly cooled and stars were brightly visible. The tremendous horns of the Corona stood out with remarkable effect, and the whole phases of the eclipse presented a magnificent spectacle. Special trains and vehicles from the country brought great crowds to the township, where a public holiday was observed. Stanthorpe reports similarly. During totality birds went to rest and cocks crowed. On the Westrwlian side of the continent the observers were equally favored with splendid weather conditions. The photographic work was specially successful and it is expected to yield results of the highest importance in connection with shadow bands and other phenomena. Professor Cooke, one of the Goodiwindi observers, states he got eight phptographs for the Einstein tests, one on the eclipse region and one on the selected test region, but he could say nothing at present as to the result of tne Einstein tests. The Corona was so brilliant that he is. just a little doubtful whether the star images have been swamped. In Victoria and Tasmania clouds considerably interfered with the view everywhere. Very keen interest was evinced and the streets were crowded with people -watching the phenomena. The warning against attempting to view the eclipse with the naked eye was generally observed, and a roaring trade was done in specially prepared glass.—Aus.FURTHER DETAILS. OBSERVATION IN TOTALITY ZONE. REMARKABLE SCENES. Received Sept. 22, 8.5 p.m. Sydney, Sept. 22. According to the Sydney observatory, the first contact in the eclipse came ten seconds earlier than the computed time, while the Stanthorpe party reported it between three and four seconds later than the computed time, and again, the Wallal party reports the duration of totality 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 grew to darkness with totality, while along the distant horizon the hills were seen silhouetted against a comparatively bright sky. A deathlike stillness prevailed everywhere. The sight presented of immense streamers from the Corona is described as one of impressive magnificence. Then, suddenly, a wonderfully brilliant sheet of light cut through the darkened edge of the moon, the radiance of the Corona was dimmed, the first streak of sunlight flashed out, and all was over. Scientists expect that with the new appliances and modern scientific methods employed, the results will be far in advance of anything previously procured. Particular attention was given to what are known as 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 has formerly been considerable doubt. At Wallal about a hundred photographs of various features bearing on the Einstein theory were secured. The temperature there during totality fell from 97 to 88|. The natives around the scientists’ camps showed considerable fear and hid themselves in the bush until the sun returned. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.