The Australian Solar Eclipse Expeditions of 1947 and 1949

On 1 November 1948 the Radio Astronomy Group within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s Division of Radiophysics observed a partial solar eclipse on a range of radio frequencies at three different sites within Australia. These observations helped establish Australia’s reputation as a leader in solar radio astronomy. A second partial eclipse occurred on 22 October 1949, and the Division again mounted a major expedition, this time with very different results. This paper examines the contribution of the eclipse observations and contrasts the very different results achieved. While scientific progress is generally well documented, stumbling in the path of progress is often overlooked. In looking to future research it is important to realise that progress is often only made in the face of adversity.