nine
o’clock
Thomas Black 's instruments were already carefully placed on the promontory , and having pointed them towards the southern horizon , he awaited the event with calmness restored , and the coolness necessary for taking his observation . What was there left to fear ? Nothing , unless it was that the sky might fall upon his head ! At nine o'clock there was not a cloud , not a vapour left upon the sky from the zenith to the horizon . Never were circumstances more favourable to an astronomical observation . The whole party were anxious to take part in the observation , and all gathered round the astronomer on Cape Bathurst . Gradually the sun rose above the horizon , describing an extended arc above the vast plain stretching away to the south .