THE ECLIPSE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1400, 10 September 1885, Page 2

THE ECLIPSE.

Yesterday morning was beautifully tine, though the air was not very clear, and a splendid view of the eclipse was obtained. About 6-7ths of the sun was obscured, and the diminution of light was very noticeable, a few stars being visible, though not very plainly. Telegrams from New Plymouth, Kaikoura, Collingwood, and Nelson state that the weather was line, anil a good view of the spectacle obtained. At Nelson photo graphs were taken. Ar. Invercargill the sky was cloudy, and only occasional glimpses of the eclipse were obtained. Tin following telegrams also came to hand : Auckland. The solar eclipse this morning was observed under favorable conditions. The first contact was not witnessed owing to the low altitude of the sun and obstruction by clouds. The darkness was very noticeable during the proper eclipse, but considering the great extent of the solar disc obscured no great change in tempernture took place. Wheo near full contact a good view was obtained. The moon's limb appeared sharply defined against the brilliant disc of the sun. No trace was seen of the mountain ranges observed on limits during former eclipse, but the dull sky prevented complete observations ti ng undw.

Masterton.

No reports of the eclipse have yet come into town from the principal observatories.

Dryertown

J)r Hector reports heavy southerly squalls with hail which spoiled the observations. We were at Dryertown on the centre of the lioo, but got only partial glimpseß. A pink patch surrounded the hud and extended 12 degrees from it, probably due to some dust film in high atmosphere that cause 1 sun glows last year. Wellington.

Las' night heavy rains came up from the South, and matters looked gloomy for observing the eclipse. In town at 5.30 this morning the sky was beautifnllv clear—except in the desired direction, where masses of black clouds lay backed up. As the sun ascended behind the clouds the rugged edges became beautifully illuminated, and rays of great brilliancy shot up from behind them. At about 6 a.m. the clouds began to break, and the sun shortly afterwards appeared, with the moon covering about halt his face. By the time the total phase was reached, the sun was sufficiently clear of clouds to givo an uninterrupted view. When the totality was reached the scene ivas most impressive. As the darkness increased the western heavens became illuminated with a deep orange color, shading into the most delicate of yellow. A number of stars were plainly seen during the darkness. After about a minute and a half the sun shone out, and gradually increased. Pigeons and other bidra began to fly about in helpless fashion ; and sought their roosts.

Blenheim.

A remarkably bright morning and cloudless sky. The eclipse was visible from first to last at Blenheim. The eclipse was just on the verge of belt of totality, but was not quite total. Corona and iose-color flames were plainly seen and stara were visible. Scientific ob serrations were taken by Mr Dobson C.E., and photographs by Mr W. H Micey.

Dunbdin,

Mr Skey, of the Dunedin Observatory, reports :—The morning commenced cloudy, giving very little hope of seeing the eclipse. Shortly before 7 o'clock breaks in the clouds allowed the sua to be seen until four-fifths of its diameter was eclipsed. At 7.30 dense clouds precluded further observations until after the middle of the eclipse. Large solar spots, with surrounding faculae, were well seen.