Prepare to be amazed as we travel back in time to witness the oldest known footage of a total solar eclipse! Join British illusionist and astronomer Nevil Maskelyne, who was part of The British Astronomical Association‘s expedition to Newberry, North Carolina on May 28, 1900. Maskelyne, equipped with a specially designed telescopic adapter for his camera, captured the awe-inspiring moment when the moon obscured the sun, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Filming a solar eclipse in 1900 was no easy task, but Maskelyne’s determination paid off. His footage, now held at The Royal Astronomical Society, stands as the only surviving documentation of this remarkable event. Thanks to the conservation experts at the BFI National Archive, the original film has been painstakingly restored in high-definition, allowing us to experience this magical moment in all its glory.

Scientists selected the location of Newberry, North Carolina for its favorable weather conditions, elevation, and duration of totality. As the eclipse traversed the American South, the duration of totality increased, ranging from approximately 72 seconds near New Orleans to about 100 seconds near Norfolk. Combining this information with cloudiness data and a desire for a higher elevation, the Weather Bureau scientists concluded that Newberry was the optimal vantage point.

Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary piece of cinematic history. Witness the celestial dance between the moon and the sun, as captured by the talented Nevil Maskelyne over a century ago. This remastered footage, now available for public viewing, reminds us of the timeless wonder and beauty of a total solar eclipse.