The Washington times., 1923-09-08
WORLD To SEE
MOON GUT
OFF SUN
Scientists From Many Coun-
tries Will Gather at San Diego
to Study Eclipse.
By WILLIAM PARKER.

SAN DIEGO, Sept. S.-Astrono-
ners and scientists generally from
al over the world will gather near
this city Monday to view the rare
phenomenon of a total solar eclipse.
Work has already begun on the
observatory to be erected at Point
Iona, across the bay from san
Diego, by the Carnegie Solar ObserV-
atory. This will be an extensive sta
ton and the cost will be around
$4,000.
The time of the eclipse is reckoned
at 11:30 o'clock in the morning and
will continue until 2:3O o'clock in
the afternoon; the darkest period
will be a few minutes before 1
o'clock
A solar eclipse results when the
moon passes between the sun and
the earth. Roughly speaking, the
path of the eclipse will be from a
point in the ocean north Of Japan
to point in the ocean east of Cuba.
The shadow will be visible north
Of japan at sunrise September 8. 1t
will travel at the rate of twenty-five
miles an hour, reaching the east of
Cuba at sunset September 10. These
figures are only approximate, for
they do not take into consideration
lapses Of time.
The width Of the band, or shadow
east by the moon, will be los miles.
Although the shadow will be broader
than heretofore, it will be visible TO
only q very small portion of the
United States. Its land appearance
VIII be observed. in fact, only in the
most southern counties of California
ana the northern part of old Mexico.
Ontecnn1cally described, the shadow
VIZ move in half circle from Japan
20 CUBA, as mentioned. but the only
iano point where there win be q pro-
longed view OF the shadow will be at
Ensenada, Mexico, q small civ on
the Gulf Of Mexico. Here the shadow
VIII be visible minutes and "a sec.
onds. '
EnsenadG IL about thirteen miles
1rom the American border, near San
Diego. Ensenada, therefore, will be
the Mecca for q number Of scientific
pilgr1mages. On q mesa near La
Grulla Rancho win be located the
Lick expedition.
The observers viii include Robert
Aitken and Armin D. Leuschner.
with possibly Director W. w, Camp
bell. president Of the University Of
The Steward Observatory, of
Swarthmore College. will be station
ed at Cuencame, Mexico, and. IL is
reported. will deal with problems re-
1ating - the Einstein theory Of rela-
tivity.
At Catalina Island, off the coast of
Southern California, will be a party
Of observers from the Yerkes Obser.
vafory, in Wisconsin, and the WASH
burn Observatory. Of the University
Of Wisconsin.
The layman's interest in the eclipse
will be the reaction he personally will
experience. These might be divided
into four distinct impressions. or
emotions, as follows:
F1rst-There will be an ominous
feeling which denotes the approach
OF q storm. The darkened aspect of
the sky will be due to the shadow Of
the moon.
Second-The temperature Will drop
rapidly, and, a phenomenon is likely
In the way Of dew suddenly forming
In sheets on the ground and on TO-
hage.
Understanding the coming dark
ness, fowls and animals will retire
TO their shelter as at night.
Four-f provided with a piece Of
smoked glass, the 1ayman can gaze
directly at the sun and view the
gplendors Of the corona. This is q
visual effect similar to the aurora
borealis. or northern lights"