Variation of the solar diameter from solar eclipse observations, 1715–1991

The diameter of the Sun may be measured at the time of a solar eclipse. We have performed an exhaustive search of the astronomical literature to find all existing observations of solar eclipses suitable for this purpose. We have also taken new observations by new techniques. We have undertaken a project to reduce them systematically, and in an automated, self-consistent way. This will produce determinations of the solar radius at the times of solar eclipses from 1715 to the present. Re-reduction, using newer ephemerides, of observations made in 1984 shows that the component of the residuals caused by the ephemeris is substantially reduced. This paper summarizes the research plan, outlines the detailed astronomical features included in the calculations, and presents the results available.