MAGNETIC STORM.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18602, 29 January 1926, Page 8

MAGNETIC STORM.

RECORDED IN CHRISTCHURCH.

TWO PRONOUNCED DISTURBANCES.

Intense magnetic disturbances have been recorded at the Christchurch Observatory during the past week. From 3.10 a.m. on Wednesday until about 1 p.m. an electrical storm, auroral in nature, was registered by tho instrument, tho visitation by no means synchronising with that cxperioced in Australia. t Mr H. F. Skoy, who is in charge ol the Observatory, stated yesterday that Wednesday's storm was the second of its kind within a week, n similar visitation commencing at about 3.20 a.m. on the 22hd, synchronising with tho passing of the group of spots across tho centre meridian of the sun. It was of the typo" known, in tho language of magnetic experts, as a "sudden commencement," one of the manifestations designated as a hiagnetio storm. The position of the sunspots was recorded yesterday, and judging by the situation of the main group, it crossed tho meridian on tho date mentioned. The two storms were of about the same degree of intensity. The large spotted area is just passing off the sun's disc, anfl two other prominent spots were observed yesterday, rather widely separated from the others. These ai - o the only solar storms which can bo seen with tho aid of a two-inch telescope. Tho presence of the large group is only an indication of surface conditions, and Mr Skey stated that it was not to be expected that the rest of the surface would bo undisturbed.-

For the past 48 hours' slight disturbances have, been recorded. No forecast can be made of future conditions. Without the appearance of an aurora, a. magnetic storm would give no indication to the man in the street of its existence. Such a visitation would not necessarily have anything to do with local meteorological conditions. Telegraph Lines Affected. j One of the effects of the phenomena J was to. causej delays on the telegraph lines throughout the Dominion. These j were not serious except in the case of the West Coast line, oh \Vlnch telegrams were subjected to numerous delays up to 2 p.m. on Wednesday. At intervals communications were cut off altogether, through the electricity accompanying the storm neutralising and even overpowering the ordinary current. Telegrams were held up for two hours, but in the afternoon the arrears were soon disposed of. The East Cgast and south wires were affected to a minor extent, and there was not much trcmble in the North Island. The Australian cables were badly affected, but that between the North and South Islands did hot suffer. Another delay of half an hour occurred on the West Coast line on Wednesday evening. MESSAGES NOT DELAYED. (eress association telegbam.) . WELLINGTON, January 28. The effects, of the magnetic fffcbrin referred to in cables were felt in. the Eastern Extension Company's office, but messages were not delayed. Radio listeners have also noticed the disturbance. /