20th century solar eclipses
There were 12 total solar eclipses in the contiguous U.S. during the 20th century. The 2017 'national' eclipse will go from coast to coast across the U.S. Graphic courtesy NationalEclipse.com
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The Solar Eclipses of 1878, 1889 and 1918
A bit of history
by Pinedale Online!
August 17, 2017
Wyohistory.org is a history website project of the Wyoming State Historical Society with many stories about Wyoming history. They have an interesting story about historical solar eclipses as seen from Wyoming. The story was written by Rebecca Hein. "Three total solar eclipses have crossed Wyoming since territorial times—in 1878, 1889 and 1918. Two in particular drew prominent astronomers and scientific discoveries."
The solar eclipse of 1878 crossed Wyoming in a diagonal from northwest to southeast, at somewhat of a sharper angle than this year’s eclipse will do. Pinedale, Jackson and Yellowstone Park were in the pathway of totality in that one. Noted astronomers from around the country came via the transcontinental railroad and set up scientific equipment at viewing stations about 14 miles west of Rawlins.
The 1889 solar eclipse just clipped the northwest corner of Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park and Wyoming didn’t play a big part in the viewing hoopla since the eclipse was more easily viewed from other more accessible locations.
The 1918 solar eclipse crossed the southeast corner of Wyoming including Green River and Rock Springs on a path similar to this year’s, but shifted a bit more southerly. At least six well-known astronomers, plus many spectators, visited Wyoming for this eclipse bringing "gigantic cameras and spectrographs," mirrors and other equipment for viewing and taking measurements.
Click on this link to read the full story on eclipse history in Wyoming on wyohistory.org: Moon Shadows over Wyoming: The Solar Eclipses of 1878, 1889 and 1918
Related Links
Eclipseblog - nationaleclipse.com, May 10, 2017
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