Abstract
ONE of the most peculiar appearances attending a total eclipse of the sun is that generally known as the “shadow bands.” They are long dark bands, separated by white spaces, which are seen on the ground or sides of buildings just before and just after the total phase of an eclipse, moving rapidly. It is probable that they are not real bands, but are composed of dark patches which seem to the eye to make long bands. Their cause is not yet clearly known, as the observations in former eclipses are quite discordant. The undersigned is very desirous of obtaining observations of them at various stations along the line of totality, especially at places near the edge of the shadow, in order to compare with similar observations made by himself and others. The observations require no special instruments, and can be made by any careful person. Information is desired upon the following points:—(1) the direction in which the bands lie; (2) the direction in which they move; (3) the velocity with which they move; (4) the width of the bands; and (5) their distance apart. All of these are likely to be different before and after the total phase, so that two sets of observations are needed. The following suggestions are compiled from various sources.
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Eclipse Shadow Bands . Nature 72, 307–308 (1905). https://doi.org/10.1038/072307a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/072307a0