Abstract
PROF. ANDERSON has suggested in NATURE that the apparent displacement of stars observed during the solar eclmay be ascribed to an unusual form of refraction in the terrestrial atmosphere. The discussion which has followed shows some lack of agreement as to the importance of such a refraction effect. I wish to suggest that it might, perhaps, be possible to form an estimate of the magnitude of this effect by making measurements of the apparent diameter of the moon ring the eclipse. Star photographs would seem to be somewhat unsuitable, although one diameter of the moon may leave a clear enough trace on the plates (a diameter at right angles to the apparent motion of the moon relative to the stars). It should be possible, however, to obtain sharp silhouette images of the moon on plates devoted to this particular purpose; perhaps such photographs are already available. The nature of the clockwork drive needed is dependent on the necessary exposure, and need not be discussed.
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ORANGE, J. Deflection of Light during a Solar Eclipse. Nature 105, 8 (1920). https://doi.org/10.1038/105008b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/105008b0
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