One of the best parts of having a library, is being able to go back and revisit books as events come up. I spent several hours reading old books today on eclipses. Had a pile of books on my desk spread out like I was doing a book report. I guess I am of sorts, but it was a great way to pass some time.
Eclipse 2017. I was in around the 95% coverage. It was better than the last time I watched an eclipse. It was in Winthrop Harbor, back when I was going to school at Westfield. The eclipse then was about 75% coverage, and I was using my pinhole shoebox that I took to school.
Eclipse 2024. I will be in total eclipse coverage, southeastern Indiana.
Have several books with illustrations and photos of eclipses, and the sun’s corona, along with some great stories.
From top to bottom:
‘The Sun’ by C.A.Young, 1904. There was entire chapter of eclipses, and illustrations, many made from photographs. Eclipses from 1857, 1860, 1867, 1868, 1871, 1878, 1882, 1889, and 1898.
‘A Study of the Sky’ Herbert Howe, 1896. Studies of eclipse July, 1879, and Jan 1889.
‘Great Sun and His Family’ by Mary Proctor, 1906. Picture of eclipse 1900, and great story about Captain Cook watching total eclipse on Christmas Island (where 1900 eclipse was also total) on December 30, 1777. There was chapter with stories and photos around the world with the August 30, 1905 eclipse. It had just happened, and helped sell the book-no TV.
‘The New Heavens’ by George Ellery Hale in 1922. Photos and studies of the newest, biggest telescopes, and discoveries. Interesting that helium was discovered from corona study in 1868, but not discovered on earth until 1896.
I won’t stare at the sun Monday-safety first-but can stare at these books forever.
Best I could do with camera. Oh, well. This was just after full coverage. Weird haziness as getting darker…and cooler when complete. I had spent a little more for hard plastic glasses with bar that clipped on to hat visor. They were nice. Easy no hand use and clearer view. What a memory. This has been an amazing day.
Don’t let anything get in the way of exploring. Except perhaps reading. Wait! I want it all.
Librarytomes 