When the Sun Disappeared Over Queensland - the Great 1922 Total Solar Eclipse
Imagine standing in Goondiwindi on Thursday, 21 September 1922.
It’s afternoon. The daylight begins to fade, the air cools and strange shadows appear across the ground.
Then, for 3 minutes and 31 seconds, the Sun completely disappears.
The Moon has passed directly between Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across Australia.
For Queenslanders, it was an extraordinary spectacle. But for scientists, it was also a rare opportunity to make detailed observations of a total solar eclipse.
THE PATH OF TOTALITY
The path of totality is the relatively narrow band across Earth's surface where the Moon completely covers the Sun.
In 1922, the predicted path was about 180 kilometres wide, crossing Australia from the north-west towards the east coast.
The shadow entered Western Australia near Wallal, crossed the Australian interior and continued through Queensland and New South Wales before reaching the Pacific.
In Queensland, towns including Cunnamulla, Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi were within or close to the path of totality.
But Goondiwindi was one of the major observing stations.
RAIL ACCESS made it easier to transport scientists, visitors and bulky scientific equipment.
Its flat landscape provided good conditions for observation.
Favourable weather prospects gave astronomers a reasonable chance of clear skies.
More than 40 scientists gathered around the town, with temporary observatories established at the local sports ground. Special trains brought crowds of visitors, while huge telescopes and photographic equipment were assembled for the event.
One of the most impressive instruments was the Sydney Observatory astrograph, transported by rail and set up at the Goondiwindi racecourse.
THEN CAME TOTALITY
As the Moon moved across the Sun, daylight faded and the temperature dropped. Stars and planets became visible.
Then came totality.
For 210 seconds, scientists worked rapidly, operating telescopes and cameras and exposing photographic plates.
The eclipse passed almost exactly as predicted - and the weather at Goondiwindi was excellent. Contemporary reports described the spectacle as magnificent.
Unfortunately, some of the Goondiwindi photographs were not sufficiently clear for all the scientific measurements the observers had hoped to make. Other expeditions along the eclipse path, however, obtained valuable results.
HOW DID PEOPLE WATCH?
Newspapers of the time published instructions for making viewing devices, including a method attributed to R. A. Bowden, Government Photographer, using specially prepared photographic film.
Interesting history - but DON'T try this today!
CHOCOLATE WRAPPERS ARE NOT ECLIPSE GLASSES!
Nor are ordinary sunglasses, smoked glass, photographic film or other homemade filters.
They may look dark, but that does not make them safe for viewing the Sun!
For a modern eclipse, use proper solar-viewing glasses or a certified handheld solar viewer. An indirect method such as a pinhole projector is another safe option.
During the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun's bright face, it is safe to look directly at the eclipse. But the instant any bright sunlight reappears, proper eye protection must go back on.
For one remarkable day in 1922, Goondiwindi became a centre of astronomical activity.
Scientists, photographers and curious visitors gathered by the thousands - waiting for just 3 minutes and 31 seconds of darkness.
No television. No internet. No smartphones.
Just the Sun, the Moon and one extraordinary Queensland eclipse.
Would you have travelled to Goondiwindi to see it?
The State Library of Queensland has put together a fascinating article on this subject.
We’d really appreciate you showing the State Library of Queensland some support by taking a look at their article. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about this fascinating piece of local history.
https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/relative-unknown-goondiwindi-einstein-and-1922-eclipse
Images - Public domain reconstructed colourised images - The eclipse and the photographic film glasses. Goondiwindi High Street - The temporary structure erected by the Sydney Observatory. Goondiwindi, all photos ca. 1920s.
