Simon Newcomb Quotes

Astronomers are greatly disappointed when, having traveled halfway around the world to see an eclipse, clouds prevent a sight of it; and yet a sense of relief accompanies the disappointment.

The Venus transit is not a spectacle the way a total solar eclipse is a spectacle.

The total eclipses of the sun are very special and have been associated with wars, famines, floods, unprecedented climate changes and the death or birth of dictators, rulers, presidents and kings, especially near the area where the total eclipse occurs.

In 1860 a total eclipse of the sun was visible in British America.

When, according to habit, I was contemplating the stars in a clear sky, I noticed a new and unusual star, surpassing the other stars in brilliancy. There had never before been any star in that place in the sky.

The teacher must derive not only the capacity, but the desire, to observe natural phenomena. The teacher must understand and feel her position of observer: the activity must lie in the phenomenon.

To morrow, I believe, is to be an eclipse of the sun, and I think it perfectly meet and proper that the sun in the heavens, and the glory of the Republic should both go into obscurity and darkness together.

Whenever a total eclipse of the sun was visible in an accessible region parties were sent out to observe it.

It is of great importance to note these meteors, even the small ones, as very little is yet known of them; and every observation, if carefully made, will some day help to show what they are.

In many cultures, a total eclipse of the Sun predicts cataclysms and bad events.

My whole entry into astronomy started from a spiritual place.

Back in the late 1970's, when I was fifteen years old, I spent every penny I then had in the bank to fly across the continent in a 747 jet to Brandon, Manitoba, deep in the Canadian prairies, to witness a total eclipse of the sun.

Science demands patience.

All of sudden, this shooting star went by, and all I could think was that they were listening to us somehow.

Once I blazed across the sky, Leaving trails of flame; I fell to earth, and here I lie - Who'll help me up again? -A Shooting Star

It is the theory which decides what we can observe

I have tried to improve telescopes and practiced continually to see with them. These instruments have play'd me so many tricks that I have at last found them out in many of their humours.

Newton did not know what happened to the apple, and I can prove this when the next eclipse comes.

In matters of observation chance favors only the prepared mind. (not literal translation) - Dan's les champs de observation le hasard ne favorise que les esprits prepares.

In the places I go there are things that I see that I never could spell if I stopped with the Z.

Right before the explosions begin, I find a star.

We fail in even the simplest of all scientific observations-nobody looks up anymore.

The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun.

At night, lying on your back and staring at the falling snow, it's easy to imagine oneself soaring through the stars.