National Republican., 1883-05-11
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPsEs.
Tho Impressive Spectacle they Prese!

The public have been fully advised regard
ing the scientific results anticipated from the
observations made on Sunday last by the ex-
petitions to Caroline and Flint islands, in the
Pacific ocean, but very little has been said
about the natural phenomena as generally
seen in total eclipses of the sun, and which
can be readily comprehendod by the general
reader. A total eclipse of the sun has been
described by various observers as the most
awe-inspiring and magnificent spectacle that
celestial phenomena can afford to the human
eye. Very little diminution of light is no.
ticeable until fully three-quarters of the suns
face is hidden, and then the sky commences
to take deeper blue, going into dusky pur-
pie; distant objects become misty peoples
faces look livid; sometimes o yellow tint
mixes in the atmosphere; the gloom is up
natural and unlike the darkness of night.
Observers stationed upon very high emil
nences have seen the line Of totality approach.
ing, and when complete observation has taken
place the stars and planets arc seen, chickens
start to roost, and the domestic animals have
often shown signs of fear ut the unusual
and sudden darkness. The term dark
ness is comparative, for while there
remains the slenderest thread of the suns
edge visible, its brilliancy is such that
at the moment of vanishing the sudden
change startles the beholder, while the corona,
until now overpowered by the suns light.
springs into view. The corona is circle of
pearly white light immediately surrounding
the sun and having streamers of various
shapes and lengths, extending into space
millions of miles. These vary in forms and
dimensions at different eclipses, and may be
likened in appearance to the long shafts of
light seen during an extensive aurora. Close
around the edge of the black moon at various
points are seen little projections of rosy light,
some straight or like teeth, some curved, and
some like spray. These are called promi-
nences, and are known to be immense jets of
flaming hydrogen thrown up from the suns
surface At this time also the sphericity of
the moon is strangely apparent, though q
dead black surface, During total eclipse
the temperature falls very decidedly, and
rapid changes in wind and cloud have been
noticed.
At the eclipse of 1873 there was light
enough from the corona to read the chronom-
eters, while in 1851 candles and lanterns
were needed. When the moment of reap
pearance has arrived the edge of the sun
flashes out instantaneously, so that 1t is sud
den even to those expecting IL, and all the
wonderful sight is virtually over. While
records are made of all observations there is
not so much attention paid to the red flames
formerly tho chief object of wonder, because
u method has been in use now for some years
by which they are readily seen on any clear
day. All vital interest is centered on the
corona and its appendages, for there is little
hope yet of isolating them from the sun, ex-
cept by total eclipse.
The first of July will probably have ar
rived before information is received here re-
gardlng the observations made at the islands
in the South Pacific, whittier Prof. Charles s.
Hastings, Of Johns Hopkins university, with
others, has gone The United States steamer
Hartford, with the astronomers on board, will
proceed direct to Honolulu, where the scien-
tist hope to take the Japan steamer touching
there about June l on her way TO San Fran
ciscy. Before leaving here DIR. Hastings made
u close calculation regarding tho time to be
occupied in the journey, and expressed his
opinion that they would not reach Honolulu
in time for the steamer June /, but would have
TO take that which sails two weeks later. Az
soon as the astronomers arrive in San Fran
cisco the result of the observations will be
telegraphed to Johns Hopkins university in
Baltimore.