The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-27

ceases. Late observations abundantly con-
frmed the discovery, and it has now been
definitely admitted by all that continu-
Gus red envelope surrounds the sun to a
depth of 5000 to 1000 miles. This
envelope Is now called the chromosphere
or chromatosphere, and the prominences
are regarded as extensions OF this red gar
ment of the sun. Cases are on record where
veritable solar eruptions have been wit
messed, during which matter was propelled
to height of upward of 200. 600 miles above
the suns surface. This phenomenon was
witnessed by Prof Young Of Princeton,
and the matters the motion of which
he observed. he ascertained to be glowing
hydrogen but 1t is noted that it does not
necessarily follow that the matter emptied
was hydrogen. The outrush may have car
ried away with it portions of hydrogen
which had before been quieecent in tie
solar atmosphere.
About thirty years is the age of modern
views of the sun and of the corona. says
Prof Edward S. Holden. Everything
known has been learned by men now liv-
ing. and it is a fact worth remarking. II
ought to teach us a little humility which
is useful in science Rs it is III other Walks
of life.
The eclipses of 1851 and 1860 proved
that the hydrogen flames belonged TO the
sun and not to the moon. At the eclipse
of 1868 a method was discovered of obserF-
ing with the spectroscopel these brisat
hydrogen prominences on every day. In
1869 the green hue Of cpronium. the coro-
raj gas. was discovered. So far this gas
has not been DISCOVERED on the earth.
Weather Conditions Important.
WHAT is of most Importance in choosing
ntmDSUlerlc
conditions and those, of the Naval
Observatory and the other scientific
parties have been chosen with that end in
view. This will at once'secure better Pho
tographic and telescope results, but. OF
course, should the weather not be clear
observations will be rendered impossible.
and II is to guard against this contingency
that the stations have been selected
through the advice os,othe Weather Blu
reau. at points which will not likely
be subjected to bab weather at the same
time. Although drawings will be taken
of the corona. 1t is scarcely necessary. ac-
cording. to good astronomical advice. as
admirable photographs will be taken by
dozens of observers. The Naval Observa-
tory has issued a pamphlet of instructions
to photographers, which contains the min
utest directions for taking successful
picture of the various features and phases
of the eclipse.
The Observatory will publish an extern
sive report OF the event. and VIII he glad
to include photographs which may possess
sufficient scientific merit. II the originu
negative is sent to the Observatory II VIII
be returned after using. The data accofi-
panying such negatives should include
description OF the apparatus. kind OF Plate
and developer. length Of exposure. tnd
location of station. The plate should also
have been marked previous to exposure
TO Indicate the top side of the plate.
Regarding telescopes. the Observatory
pamphlet says: "a proper telescope for
observing the eclipse is very desirable
but any telescope at all is better than
none, aud owners of small spygla ses o..