Tag Archives: Honuakaha

More on the arrival of the British Astronomers, 1874.

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Arrived at

Honolulu, is the Astronomical Expedition sent by the British Empire to observe the transit of Venus in front of the Sun, from Valparaiso, aboard the warship “Scout,” in thirty-six days. The head of the Expedition is Captain G. L. Tupman, just as we explained in an earlier issue.

The first location was chosen at Honuakaha, Honolulu, and the head of this expedition will watch and it is he who will actually be at this location while being assisted by Lieutenant Ramsden and Prof. Nichols. The second location to observe from will be chosen from somewhere on Hawaii Island, perhaps in Kohala, or Waiohinu maybe. This place will be overseen by Prof. G. Porepe [Forbes] assisted by Prof. H. G. Barnacle. The third location under consideration is perhaps on Kauai (between Waimea and Mana), or on Niihau. This will be under the direction of Prof. R. Johnson assisted by Lieut. E. W. J. Noble, but this observation place will have two astronomers there. The observations of the astronomers will decide the right location suitable for their work. An area with great clarity will be built: somewhere that their instruments can easily be transported without being damaged, a place that is dry and without rain, and not somewhere that is seen to be windy during the day, a place that the sun goes down clearly, and the sky cannot be obstructed with drifting clouds.

With them are not less than twenty-five meteorologists [ana ino?] who will be put to work at each of the three observation areas. The Expedition brought along with them a great many workers, and our government has forgave those duties to help this scientific endeavor of man. A British vessel will be sent to travel between the three locations, named Boxer, and it is hoped that it will arrive everyday. It is not for us to say that we should all help, both Hawaiians and haole, to advance this great endeavor, but it is for each of you to think and decide to extend a helping hand to move forward this knowledge, at each of the locations where they set up their equipment.

It is not often that before us appears [opportunities] to assist scientists of this class in our shores, and therefore, we hope as this is the beginning, and that their time here will be adorned with the lei of progress.

(Kuokoa, 9/19/1874, p. 2)

Ua hiki mai ma

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XIII, Helu 38, Aoao 2. Sepatemaba 19e, 1874.

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More on Transit of Venus, 1874.

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The Day to Watch the Stars.

(Written for the Kuokoa)

The afternoon of this past Tuesday of this week, December 8th, was the day when Astronomers from times past and of these times believed that Venus [Hokuloa] would pass in front of the Sun, and it indeed did happen.

The Sun came out that morning shinning nicely, and its rays continued to shine forth with clarity until the second when Hokuloa’s was seen beginning to peep over at the edge of the sun. The heavens were clear and the floating clouds were banished away, with just one seen, the thick, black cloud surrounding the heavens.

Here are the places in Honolulu set aside by the people wanting to view the appearance of Hokuloa as it passed by: Honuakaha in Honolulu, the actual base of the Astronomers; the Government Surveying Office in the Government Building Aliiolani, for the Government Surveyor Laiana [C. J. Lyons]; the Labor Office, for David N. Flitner; Kapunahou [Punahou School], for the head of the Government Surveyors, W. D. Alekanedero [W. D. Alexander]; at Pawaa, for the Deputy Harbor Master of Honolulu, Captain Daniela [Daniel] Smith. And for the multitudes who just wanted a glimpse, they grabbed real telescopes and looked straight at the sun; and for those without telescopes, they grabbed shards of glass and placed them over candles until black, and then looked and could see.

From the base of the British Astronomers at Honuakaha, it was very calm, there were no one allowed entrance, there was no talking, no whispering, and nothing that would cause excitement was desired; a battalion of soldiers was sent to the observation area to guard their peace. The Astronomer Boys put their all into their work for which they were sent by the government at great expense. Not one of them has any complaints about Hawaii for they were provided and blessed with a totally clear sky, and perhaps we would not be mistaken to say that these astronomers were very lucky for getting this good day for which they will not forget Hawaii.

And by the kindness of the British Astronomers in Honolulu, we have these times below from various telescopes the Astronomers and others away from different places.

When Hokuloa was seen barely at the edge of the Sun, here are the different times of the British Astronomers:

Tupman, (Head Astronomer.) 3 [hr.], 7 [min.], 1 [sec.]

Noble, (Assistant Astronomer.) 3 [hr.], 7 [min.], 3 [sec.]

When Hokuloa began to clearly move into the face of the Sun, here are the various times from the Astronomers of Britain and those people from here:

Tupman, (Head Astronomer.) 3 [hr.], 35 [min.], 56 [sec.]

Noble, (Assistant.) 3 [hr.], 35 [min.], 54½ [sec.]

D. Smith (Of Hawaii.) 3 [hr.], 35 [min.], 54 [sec.]

C. J. Lyons (Of Hawaii.) 3 [hr.], 35 [min.], 54 [sec.]

D. N. Flitner (Of Hawaii.) 3 [hr.], 35 [min.], 58 [sec.]

The times seen by the last three were not taken into account by the Astronomers. However, there was not much difference between the times seen by the British Astronomers and our people keeping time. But it was surely a nice day for observing.

The slides taken were not as great as was hoped for, but they are indeed of much value.

(Kuokoa, 12/12/1874, p. 2)

Ka la Kilo Hoku.

Ka Nupepa Kuokoa, Buke XIII, Helu 50, Aoao 2. Dekemaba 12, 1874.