The evening times., 1899-12-16

An eclipse of the moon, visible in WASH
ington, will take place this evening. 1t will
be practically a total eclipse, for 1896 of
the surface of the moon will be covered
by the shadow of the earth. 1t was said
this morning at the Naval Observatory that
the eclipse will begin 20 be visible at 6:45
O'Clock and will end about o'clock AS
tronomers in this city and elsewhere have
made adequate arrangements for accurate
study of the phenomena and for obtaining
photographs. showing the different phases
of the eclipse.
Prof. S. J. Brown, who yesterday assum-
ed the duties of Astronomical Director Of
the Naval Observatory, explained to re-
porter for The Times today, the scientific
interest that attaches TO lunar eclipse.
Its importance" he said, cannot COM
pare with total eclipse of the sun, nor
has it the grandeur and sublimity OF the
solar phenomenon. In May, next year,
complete solar eclipse will be visible along
a strip Of this country about fifty miles
wide extending from Norfolk Southwestern
ly to the lower part CT Texas. Thousands
of people will be drawn to this belt. in
others from all parts OF the country to wit
ness the eclipse. great many people will
be anxious to witness tonight's eclipse.
''The principal astronomical interest in
a lunar eclipse" continued Mr.. Brown, lis
in the fact that with the subdued light OF
the moon during the total eclipse, obser-
vations may be made of the fainter stars
near the moons disk which, under ordi-
nary circumstances are observed with diff
and hair a ltSa ruyfnn md
pearance from behind the darkened disk
furnish means also Of computing the
moons diameter.
Historical. dates of great importance"
said Prof. Brown. have been determined
by means of lunar eclipses. For instance,
the Jewish historian, Josephus. mentions
that on the night of Herods death. an
eclipse Of the moon occurred. With this
fact. it was not difficult for astronomers,
with their modern accurate knowledge, TO
fix the date OF this. eclipse and thus dis
cover that an error Of four years occurs in
the reckoning of our era. Instead OF being
the year 1899, We are actually living IN
1895"
Prof Brown stated that in all total lunar
eclipses, the moon is not always entirely
obscured, but is more often visible as disc
OF a dull reddish coppery color. 1t ap-
pears much as it does on some dull, smoky
explained to be due to the atmosphere of
the earth which acts as huge lens to the
suns rays, throwing them into the shadow
cast upon the moon and thus illuminating
its surface to limited extent.
'-On account Of this atmospheric cordi-
tion,' said Prof. Brown, lit is extremely
difficult to determine by optical means just
when the moon enters upon the shadow OF
the earth. The edge Of the shadow is very
indefinite and the first notice of the eclipse.
even with the telescope, will be a gradual
shading of of light in the region where
the first poiEt of contact will be made. The
best astronomical observations fail TO show
any atmosphere upon the moon, so in a
solar eclipse, the very instant the disc OF
the moon crosses, as may popularity be said.
the line of contact with the sun. il be-
comes visible as clear cut shadow. The
line is just as well defined as if made with
pen and ink
Prof Brown stated that he intends OBJ
serving some OF the fainter stars tonight
if the weather conditions permit.