Hide Article Text (OCR)
PORTSMOUTH VIEWS SOLOR ECLIPSE IN ALL ITS GRANDEURThousands In This Vicinity View . Thrilling Spectacle Unmarr-ed By Clouds — Conditions Poor In MountainsThe residents of Portsmouth and all this suction, and the thousands of visitors who came here to view the solar eclipse wer indeed fortunate, as not a cloud dimmed the ma-jestlo brightness of the ' spectacle, from the moment that the shadow of the moon first touched the sun until, over two hours later, when the great phenomenon was over. At the moment of totality the sky was cloudless and conditions could not have been better. In- the mountain section, however, the countless thousands who went there for a view of the eclipse were in a majority of cases disappointed, as nearly everywhere in that area low-lying banks of clouds spoiled the effect and in most cases made it impossible for- the scientific expeditions to make satisfactory photographs.It is unfortunate that more of the Scientific, expeditions did not base their observations at Portsmouth, where conditions were perfect.In Portsmouth and vicinity everyone watched without any interference whatever one of the most magnificent spectacles ever seen, One could not gaze upon the heavenly picture without being thrilled. It was an experience never to be forgotten, and this indescribable picture left an imprint upon the minds of our yo.ith that will never be blotted out.Along our 18 miles of coastline there was undoubtedly a quarter of a million, people—the beaches were lind with thousands in bathing suits and others sat upon the sands viewing the greatest spectacle of their lives! As- the totality was reached there-was a scene of indescribable splendor, semi darkness for a few seconds and then aglorious burst of sunshine with all its embellishments of sky effects, . increasing with unmeasurable rapidity.For a moment everyone seemed to realize the Supreme Power that guides this land, its planets and everything,•that is always a mystery, \rill one ever forget the shadow of the moon as it crossed the sun and blotted oat-the sunshine and Jupiter burst forth in the sky like a signalling beacon, while four airplanes high overhead appeared to be circling this searchlight effect.Hereabouts it was a day long fco be remembered and the thousands that poured into this historic city re-* mained into the evening to discuss tho greatest show ever staged within the gates of this beauty spot.Thousands of people on rooftops and hills felt a perceptible chill creep infca the air as the moon stole across the face of the sun; saw the great shadow of the moon rush out of the west across the face of the earth; gob a brief glimpse of Bailey's Beads aa ilia last rays of the sun peeked from between the lunar mountains; saw tno planet Jupiter pop from the heavens to the southwest of the eclipsed sun. and wink roguishly; reveled in tho pearly light of the beautiful c-orana, spreading a halo about the black diso of the moon as for 90 seconds it lay. squarely across the face of the sun t while a weird yellow light suffused j this earth; again had a flee tinge j glance at Bailey’s Beads as the totality passed; saw sjddsnly break a brilliant;, diffused ray as the western edge of the sun burst from behind the moon. • -And the show was over except for(Continues on Page FJve)
Newspaper Details
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire, US
Thu, Sep 01, 1932
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Thomas C.
FL, USA 12 Apr 2020
Other Publications Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth Hampton Union
Portsmouth Exeter News Letter
Exeter News Letter
Portsmouth Herald and Times
