Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-08-06
The August Eclipse.

The Riverside Magazine for August has
for a Icaling illustration q tinted repre-
santatiOn of the appearance of the earth
and sky at the time of the total Obscura-
ton of the sun III the eclipse of August 7th.
From the letterpress description We take
the following sketch of this most wonder
fnl sight:
For the convenience of such of our
readers rs live within the belt of country
referred to on the fourth page of this num-
Der, where will be witnessed on the 7th
instant the total eclipse of the sun, we
give short description Of the phenomena
to be expected. Perhaps some may have
sufficient presence of mind to make brief
notes OF what they see. If so, we shall be
happy to receive the results of such obser-
vations for comparison, and possible publ
cation in future number. AS regards the
appearances under the heads three ald
five, a spy-glass or small telescope will be
necessary to reveal them to satisfaction.
1. When the sun is moro than three
fOurths hidden by the dark disk of the
moon perceptible gloom is thrown on all
the landscape around. Soon after, the
sky appears to descend; the horizon to con-
tract the temperature of the air falls; birds
cease their singing; flowers close; on un-
earthly greenish and redish light is i'm
parted to portions of the sky; sudden
darkness cnsues; and everything wears a
mysterious and gloomy aspect.
2 Immediately before the last trace Of
the suns disk disappears. the awful shad
ow of the moon in the air may be detected
rapidly approaching from the west like a
dark column or a sombre cloud. 70 wit
ness this impressive sight care must be
exercised, lest III the excitement of the
moment the swiftly approaching shadow
be UNDECIDED.
3. The last thread of light from the sun s
disk sometimes appears to separate into
little grains or beads before its total dis
appearance. This phenomenon has re-
ceived the name of "Baily's Beads, y
from the noted astronomer who first wit
messed 1t.
4. Instantly on the extinction of the sun
will be seen the grandess feature of the
eclipse, the corona, or crown of light, lSsu-
ing on all sides apparently from the pur-
ple-black disk of the moon, though in re-
ality from the sun. 1t is the atmosphere
of the sun rendered visible by the absence
Of the overpowering sunlight. AS the
light is daZzlingly white, piece of smoked
glass will enable you to survey it without
the inconvenience which might otherwise
arse.
3. In the corona, and issuing also app
rently from the dark moon, there will np-
pear several rose-colored flames projecting
beyond the gloomy disk perhaps tenth
of the diameter of the moon. They, too, be
long to the sun, and are demonstrated by
the spectroscope to be incd'at3escent hyttro-
gen. With every eclipse they vary in size,
number, shape, position and depth of color.
u. Planets and largo stars are often
ted during total eclipses by those who hare
previously studied their positions on q &C.
lestial map. As the darkness hardly ex-
ceeds that of moonlight night, they are
not always readily found ia the two or
three minutes Of gloom that attend the en-
tire observation of the sun. BY a little
study al the. map ut the commencement OF
tlls number, ono may he able to recognize
the most conspicuous planets and stars
that will be visible.
When the sun rcappears the phenome-
non of Bnlly's Beads should be again look
Ell for-this time on the right side Of the
moons disk. The awful shadow will after
ward be seen sailing rapidly away in the
air to the eastward. Then follow the
changes of color in the sky and landscape,
the rising of the thermometer, and gen
eral awakening of Nature, and the wonder
ful exhibition is over.