Observations of the Eclipse of the Sun March 6th 1867 by J B Dancer, Observatory, Old Manor |House, Ardwick, Manchester.
Just before first contact my attention was unfortunately taken from the telescope, and when got to the instrument again the eclipse had commenced.
The weather was very favourable and the atmosphere remarkably steady; clouds occasionally passed over the Sun, but did not obscure the disc for any length of time.
The telescope used was 10 feet 6 inches focal length and 7.25 inch diameter. The full aperture of the object glass was employed, with a power of 50, and using diagonal glass sun prism numerous groups of faculae were visible. One spot interested me, I have already stated that the atmosphere was very steady. Indeed I have very seldom seen the edge of the Sun so free from all disturbance.
When the Moon’s edge approached the dark spot suddenly became very tremulous and lighter in colour before it disappeared behind the body of the Moon, there were no visible cloud passing at this time and the Sun’s edge was sharply defined and perfectly steady.
During the progress of the eclipse the serrated edge of the Moon was beautifully distinct. I had several telescopes directed to the Sun; some of these had 4.5 inches and some 5.5 inches diameter object glasses. The value of aperture in observing the edge of the Moon and the faculae on the Sun’s disc was very manifest when using the 7.25 inch diameter glass.
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