Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-06
BY E. w. HOSKINS,
Associated Press STAFF Correspondent.

MANILA, May 6-The greatest group
Philippines is in the central islands
of the archipelago to observe the total
eclipse of the sun on May 9.
Two groups of scientists from the
United States, one from Germany and
one from the Manila Observatory have
established stations from which to view
the phenomenon. The groups from
abroad came half way around the
world, bringing with them tons Of
instruments at a cost of thousands OF
dollars, on a $3.50 chance that the sky
would be clear when the eclipse
occurred.
They were informed by the local
Weather Bureau that the eclipse would
take place at the beginning of the
rainy season, and that there was only
half chance that clear weather would
prevail. But of so great Importance
do they consider this chance to study
the suns corona, which may be seen
during total eclipse, that they chose
course, If the sky is cloudy the ex-
tensive preparations which they have
made will have been for naught.
Corona Is Little known.
The corona which the scientists are
to study Is that little known body
which surrounds the sun. Although it
is present at all times, 1t cannot be
seen because of the suns brightness,
but when the sun is obScured by the
moon it blossoms forth like a brilliant
tropical flower. 1t is probably in the
main composed Of finely divided mat
ter shot out by the sun, and acted
upon by electromagnetic forces. That
it is not solid substance is proved by
the unresiSted passage of comets
through the space occupied by its lum-
tnouS SheaVeS. 1t varies in shape with
the progress of the Sun-Spot period.
Scientists are intensely interested in
the corona, because they feel that a
further study OF it might reveal the
secrets of the atom and the ultimate
structure of the universe. They want
to know its chemical composition, its
origin, its relation to sun spots and
other solar phenomena, its size and the
rapidity with which 1t changes shape.
They want to know what coronium that
mysterious gas found only in the suns
corona, consists of-~With the hope that
acquisition of this secret will reveal a
new element such as helium gas, which
was first observed in the suns spectrum.
Naval Observers Boat Equipped.
The two parties of scientists from the
United States are from the United
States Naval Observatory in Washington
and from Johns Hopkins University.
The one from Germany is from the
University of Hamburg. In addition,
local scientists connected with the
Manila Observatory, a Philippine gov
eminent institution, have established
two stations-one in Cebu and one in
Iloilo.
The Naval Observatory's expedition is
the most completely QUILTED of the
four groups. This party Of astronomers
brought with them approximately %
tons of apparatus. Their equipment
includes a huge solar camera with
focal length Of rs feet. They have
established their station across the river
from Iloilo on the Island of Panay.
The party is headed by Comdr. c. H.
j. Keppler, U, s. N. other members of
the expedition are Prof. w. A. Cogshall,
head of the department OF astronomy,
University of Indiana; Mrs. Cogshall,
Prof. Paul A. Sollenberger, astronomer
at the Naval Observatory, and Lieut..
Albert j. Kellers, Medical Corps, U. S. N.
The members of the Johns Hopkins
University are DR.. r. L. Waterfield of
Baltimore and DR.. Windham Lloyd OF
London, both noted astronomers.