BRILLIANT AURORA

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25936, 17 October 1949, Page 6

BRILLIANT AURORA

RADIO RECEPTION . AFFECTED A fairly bad magnetic storm aced panied one of the most brill# aurorae seen in Christchurch for ml years on Saturday evening. 1 aurora extended from low in the M to the tail of the Southern Crosi I tween 9.30 and 10.30 p.m. When first seen tha aurora wH bright greenish-white colour with tinge of led at the extremities ofl arc it formed. Later, the reddish M suddenly changed to ’ a brilliant I The red c- lour remained for about’ minutes when it gradually began fade. By about 10.30 p.m. all that I mained was the arc of greenish-tra light. . Radio reception was interfered Wl consider ibly as a result of the nti netic storm which accompanied I aurora. Reception in North Cantertj districts which normally rec® Christchu’.’ch stations very clearly# poor, stalic and fade-outs occurring intervals. Conditions were similtf. the city area. Conditions for receß of the 'B B.C. news at 11 o'clock w poor, and static and fade-outs listening in sotne arenas almost imP sible. J Aurorae were always more freqij during the sun spot maximum, ■ they became less ‘ frequent as the! spot minimum approached, saidi ' Director of Magnetic Survey 'Mr HBaird). The aurora was quite ca mon. especially during the sprint autumn, but three or more yeartll a maximum the aurora became ■ and loss comrrfon. he.,said.