A first-hand account of a late-19th-century solar eclipse expedition.
This nonfiction work follows the Washington University Eclipse Party as they travel to Norman, California, to observe a total solar eclipse on January 1, 1889. It details the planning, equipment, and teamwork that made the observation possible, along with the route, stations, and local support that sustained the effort. The book presents a clear picture of how scientists organized fieldwork in a remote location and coordinated with observers and facilities across the country.
Readers gain insight into the practical side of a major astronomy expedition—from setting up a temporary observatory to recording precise timing and longitude. The narrative covers the use of photographic equipment, time signals from the Lick Observatory, and the logistical work that supported every observation. It also offers a snapshot of the collaborations and honors extended to contributors, mentors, and transport partners that underpinned the project.
- Detailed descriptions of the instruments and photographic setup used to capture the eclipse.
- Accounts of travel, temporary observatories, and field logistics in a rural California setting.
- Explanation of timekeeping, longitude and latitude measurements, and coordination with major observatories.
- Context for how scientific teams documented and interpreted their observations in 1889.
Ideal for readers interested in historical science expeditions, 19th‑century astronomy, and the practical realities of field observation.