MAGNETIC STORM

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 11013, 28 January 1926, Page 5

MAGNETIC STORM

CABLE SERVICE INTERRUPTED. (Received Jan. 27. 8.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 27. A submarine magnetic disturbance in tlm Pacific Ocean has disorganised the world’s cable services. Cable experts in Sydney declared that the disturbances were probably caused by the appearance of large new sun spots. The New Zealand cable is the worst sufferer, but reports have been rc-eived from all parts of the world that the cables are working badly Most of the messages received in Sydney could not be deciphered. The disturbance commenced last night and, until late to-day, the cables did not resume normal conditions.—A. and N.Z.C.A. (Received Jan. 27, II p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 27. Dr. Pigott. in charge of the Riverview Observatory, said the magnetic disturbance was in all probability associated with the great groups of the sun spots which passed across the centre meridian of the sun and are now approaching its western rim, but it was puzzling to explain why the disturbance had rot occurred two or three days since, when two great groups of sun spots which he had photographed were on the centre meridian of the sun and in direct lino with the earth. Dr. Pigott concluded that if there were any real connection between the phenomena of sun. spots and magnetic, storm.-: the present, storm shows that the axis *af vertical movement of the electrons lias been inclined very obliquely to tho sun’s surface.—U .P.A.