THE TOTAL ECLIPSE OF JUNE 8, 1918 533 



delicate in structure, resembling the skeleton of some prehistoric 

 bird. 



The unexpected brilliancy of both the prominences and the corona 

 was the universal comment of all observers. The apparent indenta- 



FiG. 134. — Plate No. 2. Exposure five seconds, 5'' 24'" 03" to 5'" 24"" 08^ 



tion of the moon's disc at the base of the prominences was so con- 

 spicuous that the bystanders were eagerly inquiring the cause. 



THE WEATHER 



The weather conditions on the day of the eclipse caused much 

 anxiety. The day dawned with a cloudless sky, as most days do at 

 this time of year in Colorado. The forenoon passed without the ap- 

 pearance of a cloud to mar the peace of mind of the observer or 

 that beautiful blue firmament of which those western mountains 

 alone can boast. A very gentle wind blew from the north, shifting 

 slightly to the northeast. About noon, the usual white cloud banks 

 began to appear on the horizon. By two o'clock, the sky was well 

 dotted with large, cumulus clouds. It was dramatic, at least for the 

 observers, as one by one these beautiful forms floated lazily over 

 the sun. About four-thirty, thin cirrus clouds began to gather low 

 on the western horizon. Several times between first and second con- 

 tacts, the sun was completely hidden behind these slowly-moving 



