Thomas Black

Captain Craventy

Craventy coordinates with Black on scientific matters, treating him as a valued specialist within the expedition.

Captain Craventy

Craventy coordinates with Black on scientific matters, treating him as a valued specialist within the expedition.

A Savant Thawed

Frozen astronomer revived at Fort Reliance; arrives to observe the solar eclipse.

A Factory

The astronomer, focused solely on studying the moon's corona and prominences; impatient to cross the Arctic Circle and eager to begin his observations.

A Wapiti Duel

Shows indifference to hunting, focuses on astronomical observations for the upcoming eclipse.

VII: The Arctic Circle

Absorbed in his own idea, never gets out of the sledge; shares a hut with Sergeant Long.

The Great Bear Lake

Remains at Fort Confidence to conduct astronomical observations rather than joining the lake crossing.

Along the Coast

Assists Hobson in taking accurate geographical observations to correct previous marine surveys.

XII: The Midnight Sun

Participates in the astronomical observation to determine the latitude and longitude of Cape Bathurst.

Fort Hope

Mentioned as one of the occupants of the cabins in the fourth compartment of the house.

Some Excursions

Is present when the wolverene is brought to the fort, having never seen such an animal before.

The Approach of Winter

Remains indifferent to the winter beauty, absorbed in his astronomical studies; Hobson promises him fine cold nights for observation.

The Polar Night

Frets at the storm preventing observations, later attempts to observe stars but burns his hands on the cold instruments.

Mercury Freezes

Indignantly defends the aurora against Mrs. Barnett's praise of the volcanic eruption; focused on the upcoming eclipse.

XXIII: The Eclipse of the 18th July 1860

The astronomer is in a feverish state of anxiety over the weather, fearing he will miss the eclipse; he explains to Mrs. Barnett the rarity of observing a total eclipse in high latitudes.

A Floating Fort

Furious and despairing over the missed eclipse due to the island's drift.

Where Are We?

Assists Hobson in taking solar altitudes with the sextant to determine longitude.

A Tour of the Island

Refuses to join the expedition, feeling betrayed by nature; he promises to monitor the northern latitudes during their absence.

The Winter Months

Remains crushed in spirit, refuses to observe auroral phenomena, and isolates himself in his room.

The Avalanche

Buried beneath the avalanche after transporting his instruments to the boat.

All at Work

The astronomer is among the buried victims; his fate is uncertain as the digging continues.

XIX: Bering Sea

Was trapped in the house; his instruments and maps are recovered from the ruins, uninjured.

In the Offing

Remains gloomily indifferent to the island's disintegration.

The Four Following Days

Sits apart from the others, gazing at the sea in an absent, indifferent manner.

On a Piece of Ice

Emerges from silence to propose using compressed air to refreeze the ice, saving the group.

Conclusion

Regains his speech and proposes a meeting in thirty-six years for the next eclipse.