The name of Nikolai Lobachevsky is well known to many thanks to his theorem on intersecting lines. However, this outstanding mathematician also showed interest in studying space, especially solar eclipses. He traveled extensively to various cities, and once he had the chance to witness a unique event in Russia. In 1842, the scientific community eagerly awaited a solar eclipse that was to occur in June. The path of the eclipse covered central Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and partially the Volga steppes.

Lobachevsky calculated that Penza would experience the longest darkness among the cities in the central strip of Russia. Soon, a special group of astronomers and physicists with powerful telescopes was sent there. Lobachevsky ordered them to set up on the highest point of the city, on the Western Glade mountain, where one of the central parks is now located. However, preparations for the study were marred by a small incident: some poorly educated townspeople decided that Lobachevsky was meddling in divine affairs and attempted to break the telescopes. Fortunately, the police intervened in time.

On June 26 at 9:05 AM, Penza began to plunge into darkness. The solar eclipse lasted almost 3 minutes. During this time, Nikolai Ivanovich managed to study the solar corona in detail and record huge prominences. "A total eclipse, a remarkable and rare phenomenon," wrote the delighted researcher. "If anyone has had the chance to see it at least once, it is unlikely to happen again. We received answers regarding the warmth of the sun's rays, the cooling of the air, and the reflection of direct light." Lobachevsky left Penza in complete ecstasy, and later his articles were published in Moscow journals, where he detailed the physics of the Sun and the movement of the Moon. Have you ever seen a solar eclipse?