Station - Instruments used at the observation huts

We are in the exact place where the observations of May 29, 1919, took place.

Try… on your mobile phone the 3D reconstruction of the observation huts and the instruments used in the observation of the 1919 eclipse.

Did you feel like you took a trip back in time?

Why is this?

This is a 3D reconstruction of the solar eclipse observation station of May 29, 1919 prepared by the British expeditionaries, Eddington and Cottingham. They were joined by others in observing the totality. As no visual records of the expedition to Príncipe have been found to date, this 3D reconstruction allows us to witness the experience of the observers.

Also try… identify in the scenario the main instruments used by the team of astronomers: the astrographic telescope and the coelostat.

Did you know?

The observation of total solar eclipses motivated numerous astronomical expeditions with scientific, social, political and economic interests, becoming more frequent from the second half of the nineteenth century onwards, coinciding with the development of photography, which became the main technique used by the astronomers. At the same time, the professionalization of the teams and the availability of greater funding allowed a profound change in practices, ensuring standards of rigor and precision similar to those of an astronomical observatory. It is now possible to obtain photographs of the solar corona without direct human involvement.

Now it’s your turn… to observe the Sun with eclipse glasses, for a maximum of 2 minutes. Glasses are available by request at the reception of the Sundy Hotel. Children must have adult supervision.

Never look directly at the Sun.
The damage to the eyes is permanent!

Never use sunglasses, tinted glass, x-rays to observe the Sun.
Risk of blindness!