The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-06-16
THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN.
Some Interesting Results Obtained from the
Observation--A Comet Near the
Sun Photographed.
Scientific american, June I'd.

Scientific american, June I'd.
The solar eclipse of the 17th of May was
successfully observed by English, French.
| and Italian parties at Soham, village In
Lower Egypt, on the Nile. The duration of
totality az that point was only seventy-two
SECONDS, but the observers did prompt and
efficient work in this short space of time.
The telegraph swiftly bore the record of
their labors to our Western World, and the
| first fruits include the view of comet near
the sun, indications of lunar atmosphere,
and photograph of the spectrum of the
corona.
The precious seconds when the SUMS face
was hidden by the moons dark shadow re-
vealed in the first place a comet near the
sun. 1t could not be comet a or comet
Wells, for this much talked of visitor to
northern skies does not reach perihelion un-
| til the 10th of June, and had, therefore, three
weeks time In which to speed its course to
the near neIghborhood of the great lumin-
ary. It will be comforting to those who
have borrowed trouble from its close ap-
proach to the solar fires to know that another
comet, eluding the grasp of terrestrial OBJ
servers, is safely circling around the magnet
of the system without let or hindrance. 1t
has not thus far fallen into the sun to add
fuel to his flames and bring destruction to
| the earth. 1t will doubtless keep on its
ha nd yuith uninyapai
step beyond solar bounds to star-depths un-
fathomable, as myriad other comets have
done before and will do again, for observa-
tion confirms the theory that space is full of
matter. A small portion of the mighty ar
my becomes visible in the form of comets
and meteors, but the invisible denizens of
| space far exceed those that are visible. For
every comet that spans the sky with Its gos-
samer tail, millions pass over our heads un-
seen. For every meteor that falls upon our
world, millions Of millions fall upon other
worlds, while vain would be the effort to
form any idea of the infinite numbers of
those that fall upon our sun, or the countless
suns of space. The comet seen near the
darkened sun has been photographed, and
the picture of the daring intruder in solar
domains will form study of attractive in
terest.
The second item coming from the eclipse
observers is more astounding than the first,
for the darkening of the lines of the spec
trum, as seen by the French astronomers,
gives indication of lunar atmosphere. If
this observation is substantiated there will
be revolution in existing ideas concerning
lunar physics. Our nearest celestial neigh
Dor, the moon, at least the side turned to-
ward the earth, has for long time been con-
sidered the abode of desolation, her purpose
In the material economy accomplished, a
dead world, a symbol of the fate in reserve
for the earth in the slow revolution of ages.
Years ago an observer detected rosy cloud
floating over the lunar crater Linnaus, but
the phenomenon was looked upon by more
staid astronomers as flight of fancy. A
few years ago an observer in one Of the
Western States detected change of form
and an appearance of volcanic action around
one of the moon craters, but the scientific
world in general considered it an optical il
lusion. 1t may be that these observers were
not so far out of the way, though the start
ling discovery will not be accepted without
strong proof to verify it. Those who are
best acquainted with the moon as seen In the
| telescope will be slow to believe in the
slightest manifestation of life on her chaotic
surface.
One more meager item closes the first bull
letin from the eclipse expeditions. 1t is that
the spectrum of the corona was photographed
for the first time. We may, therefore, hope
for increased knowledge of the constitution
of the SUMS magnificent appendage, seen
only In total eclipse, so grandly beautiful
as to make the heholder feel like yelling his
eyes in the celestial presence. The corona,
with Its silvery light, its spreading wings, Its
circles, arches, and curves stretching out into
fathomless depths around the darkened sun,
Is considered as one of the most impressive
and awe-inspiring sights In which celestial
majesty and grandeur are ever embodied
Its constituents and Office in solar economy
are problems whose solution is much de-
sired.
Professor Lockyer and his assistants spent
three months in hard work to prepare fol
seventy-two seconds Of observation. They
Travelled thousands of miles and transported
thirty cases of instruments to aid them in
the work. If their time, talent, and labor
have succeeded in drawing single secret
from the sun, or helped to confirm a single
theory, the reward is all they ask; they have
not labored in vain. For this heaping up o
observation upon observation is the work o.
the present generation of astronomers, thu
only means of wrestling knowledge from oul
sun, our brother planets, and the suns tha
people space.
L