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Today in History: Francis Baily observes solar eclipse phenomenon Baily's beads
5/15/2025
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Story summary
- On May 15, 1836, English astronomer Francis Baily observed the phenomenon known as "Baily's beads" during a solar eclipse. This effect occurs when sunlight shines through the rugged lunar topography, creating beads of light around the Moon's silhouette. Baily's work significantly contributed to the understanding of solar eclipses and the Royal Astronomical Society's early history.
