I had hopes of going to Texas to see the total solar eclipse on April 8th, but plans fell through and clouds are predicted for Texas next Monday. So no eclipse for me. But if you had been here in California in 1889, you could stay home and enjoy viewing an eclipse in your own backyard.

In 1889 there was no better place to observe the solar eclipse than Chico. Note the blue line.

John Bidwell recorded the eclipse in his diary:

Tues., January l.  Professors Pearson, Payne & Wilson, astronomers here to observe the total eclipse of the sun > Mansion. Events: Great total solar eclipse. The Astronomers had a very fair view of same. Weather: Fair some haze or thin clouds – air cold and raw.

Astronomers from around the nation flocked to northern California and Nevada to observe the eclipse. The Chico Daily Enterprise reported:

The party of observers from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, were stationed in this town on a fine, open piece of ground on the ranch of General Bidwell. Professor Payne was in charge of the 2-inch zenith telescope, used for accurate determination of the times of contact of the moon with the sun, and for the study of the corona of the sun during totality. Professors Pearson and Wilson were in charge of the 6-inch reflecting telescope and the various cameras used for photographic purposes. . . .

The close of totality was as startling and pleasing as the beginning was depressing. The sense of awe and of being in the presence of an uncanny event cannot be described.

As the eclipse approached totality flocks of quail were observed flying to roost, and later came the crowing of cocks, while the sounds which came from the Indian camp should have been heard to be appreciated.

The Enterprise also included this little item. I wonder if this would work on modern observers.

If you miss this year’s solar eclipse, stick around. Northern California will see another one on August 12, 2045.