The Total Solar Eclipse of May 1900 - Walter Maunder FRAS

Product Categories

The Total Solar Eclipse of May 1900 – Walter Maunder FRAS

Short Description

A series of expeditions was organised by the British Astronomical Society to observe the total solar eclipse of 28th May 1900. This book printed by the “Knowledge” Office, London was published the following year.

It is a remarkable record of a substantial effort in logistics for such a momentary event. The best position forecast by the Smithsonian Institute was expected to be Wadensborough, North Carilona. The British attended but also went to Portugal, Mid-Spain, Manzandes, Elche and Algiers. The photography of the “set-ups” at each location are a treasure … and it is good to see lady scientists in all their finery and the odd social event. The scientific content is immeasurable and the photographs of corona etc at various locations comprehensive and priceless.

As well as corona we have … dark markings, coronal extensions, the shadow bands, Baily’s Beads … and a good summary of results. The highlight for Voyager is the period images of the astronomers going about their business.

The 1900 eclipse was part of the Saros cycle which repeats itself every 18 years and 11 days but with a limit, a total of 71 events, from 1179 to the final one in 2044 … so not long to go.

Unique work and more than you would expect for such a brief event … special

Updating...