Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Domestic News
July 5, 1806
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Residents of Litchfield, Connecticut, observed a total solar eclipse on June 18, described as a sublime spectacle with unusual light, silence, birds retiring, stars appearing, and a circle of refracted light on the horizon.
Clipping
OCR Quality
97%
Excellent
Full Text
LITCHFIELD, (Con.) June 18.
Monday last exhibited one of the most sublime spectacles that age has produced. The atmosphere being clear, and favorable for observation, we had a fair view of a total eclipse of the Sun, as predicted in the Almanacs. The reflection that this was probably the only opportunity we should ever have in this part of the world, during our lives, added interest to the scene. The sun's proximity to the meridian increased the effect. The peculiar cast of light, so different from that of reflection, and from twilight; and of the shade, so different from that occasioned by clouds or smoke—The deathlike gloom which this peculiar cast of light and shade gave to every object, during the progress of the eclipse—The birds retiring to rest, and apparently astonished at these symptoms of early night—The awful silence occasioned by the suspension of all labor—The appearance of the stars—the final darkness, and the circle of refracted light which appeared in the horizon, surrounding the gloom which hung over us, and which produced a wonderful effect—and the chilly dampness of the air—all conspired to display a scene at once awful and delightful—a scene which will never probably, be exhibited to us again in this part of the globe.
Monday last exhibited one of the most sublime spectacles that age has produced. The atmosphere being clear, and favorable for observation, we had a fair view of a total eclipse of the Sun, as predicted in the Almanacs. The reflection that this was probably the only opportunity we should ever have in this part of the world, during our lives, added interest to the scene. The sun's proximity to the meridian increased the effect. The peculiar cast of light, so different from that of reflection, and from twilight; and of the shade, so different from that occasioned by clouds or smoke—The deathlike gloom which this peculiar cast of light and shade gave to every object, during the progress of the eclipse—The birds retiring to rest, and apparently astonished at these symptoms of early night—The awful silence occasioned by the suspension of all labor—The appearance of the stars—the final darkness, and the circle of refracted light which appeared in the horizon, surrounding the gloom which hung over us, and which produced a wonderful effect—and the chilly dampness of the air—all conspired to display a scene at once awful and delightful—a scene which will never probably, be exhibited to us again in this part of the globe.
What sub-type of article is it?
Weather
What keywords are associated?
Solar Eclipse
Litchfield
Connecticut
Natural Phenomenon
Total Eclipse
Where did it happen?
Litchfield, (Con.)
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Litchfield, (Con.)
Event Date
June 18
Event Details
Clear atmosphere allowed fair view of total eclipse of the Sun near meridian. Peculiar light and shade created deathlike gloom; birds retired, labor suspended, stars appeared, final darkness with circle of refracted light on horizon, chilly damp air.