302 



SCIENCE [N. S. Vol. LI. No. 1317 



TOTAL ECLIPSE OP MAY 2B-20, 1919. 



of beginning and ending are expressed in Grsen-widi Nc.^n Tim 



Fig. 1. 



occurred at about one p.m. local mean time. 

 The purpose of my expedition was not to 

 make astronomical but geophysical observa- 

 tions, the chief of which were to be observa- 

 tions to detect, or verify, a possible effect on 

 the earth's magnetic field such as has been 

 shown by observations made under my di- 

 rection, since the solar eclipse of May 28, 

 1900. Though it is not necessary for the 

 detection of this magnetic effect to have a 

 clear sky, as no layer of cloud could screen it, 

 it has been my good fortune now three times^ 



2 Manua, Samoan Islands, April 28, 1911; 

 Corona, Colorado, June 8, 1918; Cape Palmas, Li- 

 beria, May 29, 1919. In addition I made observa- 

 tions at Eocky Mount, North Carolina, of the total 

 solar eclipse, May 28, 1900. 



to have a clear sky when others whose work 

 absolutely depended upon clear weather were 

 not so fortunate. 



3. When I left Washington early in March, 

 1919, it had been arranged that I should 

 occupy conjointly with Dr. Abbot of the 

 Smithsonian Institution, La Paz, Bolivia, in 

 order that I might have there the conditions 

 encountered during the eclipse of June 8, 

 1918, at my station. Corona, Colorado, the 

 elevation of which is 12,000 feet. Ag Dr. 

 Abbot intended to look after the photographic 

 work, I did not provide myself with appli- 

 ances for purely astronomical work. Upon 

 arrival in England, it was found imprac- 

 ticable to reach a South American station 

 in time for the eclipse; accordingly, it was 



