The solar eclipse of August 30, 1905 at Alcala de Chisvert

TL;DR

This paper discusses the historical significance and observational efforts related to the 1905 solar eclipse, highlighting its impact on astronomy and the international collaboration involved in its observation.

Contribution

It documents the observational activities and notable participants during the 1905 eclipse, emphasizing its importance in the development of astrophysics.

Findings

Observation of a 3-minute 45-second total eclipse in Spain and Algeria.

Participation of French observatories and amateur astronomers.

Involvement of notable individuals like Camille Saint-Saëns.

Abstract

Solar eclipses play an important role in the history of astronomy because their observation allowed astrophysics to expand. The eclipse of August 30th, 1905 is particularly interesting since the line of totality passes through Spain and Algeria, and that it will last 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Consequently, all the French observatories send astronomers to observe it. About a hundred amateur astronomers of the French Astronomical Society also go to various sites, as well as quite a few individuals who are simply curious, like Camille Saint-Sa\"ens. Count Aymar de la Baume Pluvinel and his two young assistants settle in at Alcala de Chisvert, between Tarragona and Valencia.