Solar Eclipse 1914

Did you know that there was a total solar eclipse on 21 August 1914 only weeks after the outbreak of the First World War?

The eclipse was primarily visible in Eastern Europe and came only a few days after the Russian army had invaded East Prussia.

The outbreak of war in Europe prevented many astronomers from journeying to locations where they could observe the phenomenon. However the German scientist Adolf Miethe led an expedition to Norway in order to get the best view of the eclipse. Three of his expedition team were forced to return to Germany in order to commence their military service.