Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-06-07
THE ECLIPSE.

ffIFVVfNESS
The exact composition of the sun
has long been an object of interest to
astronomers. BY means of the spec
troscOpe it has been ascertained that
the sun is surrounded by masses of
hydrogen. This gas has manifested
itself in the enormous red-famed
prominences which exhibit themselves
on the outer surface during an ecliptic
period. Other substances such as
helium and coronium-were supposed
to belong exclusively to the sun I'M
til the former element was found in
Norway.
The surface of the sun exhibits peri
odically remarkable spots" These
spots are by some authorities sup
posed to influence the climatic
changes Of the earth. AS the compost
ton Of the sun protuberances has been
ascertained there is no reason why the
makeup of the other portions of the
suns surface may not be discovered.
The protuberances of the sun as
sumo fantastic forms. Some look like
tn s., others like fluted columns, tor
naaOes, water spOuts, tongues of fire
anu clouds, assuming at different
times all manner of forms. They
shoot up from the surface as if caused
by terrific explosions. Some of these
flames have been shown to be 900
miles high, eighteen times the diane
ter of the earth
The substances which cause them
are burning gases, the nature of
which has not yet been discovered.
These gases cause great tongues Of
flame to shoot out thousands of miles
from the suns disc.
Next to the red flames the most
wonderful sight during an eclipse is
the corona. 1t consists of three
layers The first is a brilliant red
cOlored ring near the sun. Next to
this layer the light is fainter while
beyond it lengthens into an ernorm-
Gus halo, irregular in outline, whose
rays look like the beams Of light
which pass from cloud to cloud when
tle sun is near the horizon. They
have been known 10 extend to dis
tances three times the diameter of the
sun, or 2,48O,OOO miles.
The mystery of the red fiery promi-
nences next to the sun has been par
TALLY solved. Science knows that
they are composed of hydrogen. The
corona, however, is yet an unknown
quantity.
Along the path of tOtality, and dur
ing the period of totality, the light red
prOminences-the sierra as they are
called, or ntainOus-appearing
masses of glowing gases-are the first
to attract attention. They can be seen
as the suns light diminishes and the
moon moves over, hiding those on the
western margin; while those on the
north and south gradually appear and
gradually fade away.
There is also seen border of deep
red color during the period of totally,
and this border entirely surrounds the
sun. 1t is estimated that this flaming
red envelope has a depth of from three
to four thousand miles. Compared
times extend 100000 miles from the
surface of the sun this red envelope Is
rather of modest appearance.
A total eclipse is one of the most
impressive sights seen by mortal man.
The putting out Of the suns light
the source of all energy on the earth
is an awe-inspiring event, and in
superstitious ages was looked upon as
portent full of dire meaning Since
science has furnished an explanation
of the event, however, the mind re-
CARDS the phenomenon with almost as
much complacency as a sunrise.
There is one moment, however, dur
ing an eclipse when onlookers do not
seem able to throw off entirely the
feeling of oppressive dread.
At the time of total eclipse, when
the earth is covered by a mysterious
cleaning and the air grows chill as
with breath from vaulted tomb, we
cannot but marvel at the great scene
which nature is rehearslng before US,
and mysterious, inexplicable dread
takes POSSESSION Of every one. There
is universal joy as soon as the first
bright CLEANS Of the sun reappear.
Birds and lower animals are Curl
ously affected by ec1ipses. The ami
mails show signs of distress and birds
20 to roost Flowers close as If night
were coming.
We are apt not to realize the i'm
portance Of the sun to our sphere I'M
til an event of this kind occurs.
Think what would happen should the
sun remain eclipsed forever All
forms of life would disappear from the
globe and our earth would become like
he moOn-a cold and Iifeless object