Abstract:
After the triumphs of the British expeditions to observe total solar eclipses in 1851 and 1860, spearheaded by the Astronomer Royal George Airy, a precedent was set, and astronomers were eager to build upon this success. However, subsequent expeditions in 1868 and 1870, while ultimately successful, were hindered by Airy’s sudden reluctance to serve as leader. This paper discusses how Airy’s waning interest threw eclipse planning into chaos, ultimately leading to a leadership gap eagerly filled by Norman Lockyer. 

Airy initially rejected Major James Francis Tennent’s proposal for an expedition in 1868, insisting that the Government would never fund it. When it became clear that leading astronomers were in favour of the proposal, Airy hesitantly agreed to act as figurehead and work with government officials to gain support. Contrary to Airy’s predictions, the British and Indian governments readily agreed to jointly fund the expedition. However, the idea of the Astronomer Royal as the de facto leader was greatly weakened. By 1870, Airy had little interest in plans for yet another expedition. Still, much to his surprise, while absent from a meeting he was appointed head of the organisational committee. Unfortunately, Airy approached the wrong department for support which led to a complete collapse of the whole enterprise and a huge public embarrassment for the committee. After publishing a blistering opinion piece in Nature on the whole affair, Lockyer picked up the pieces and organised an expedition on a compressed timeline, cementing his role as the new leader on eclipse matters.