SPOTS ON SUN

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5134, 28 November 1903, Page 13

SPOTS ON SUN

The Yale Observatory astronomers have been making observations of the sun’s spots. Dr W. L. Elkin, in charge of the observatory, says:— . . “There seems to be two large spots and about a dozen smaller ones now visible on tbs sun. These have been discernible for about eight or ten days. About every 11 years the sun spots appear in greater numbers, and more frequently than at any other time, and the maximum period is due some time about 1903 or 1904. The appearance of the spots now would indicate that this period is approaching. The spots are visible to the naked eye tr rough smoked glass, and resemble smal 1 clouds.” IVTien asked the size of the group of spots relatively. Professor Elkins said: "Tho group probably measures about 30,003 miles across. This is not a very large group. At least, the two largest spots are not as largo as wo have observed here iu Oilier years. These large spots measure perhaps 10,000 miles across, while iu former years spots measuring approximately 50,000 miles each have been discernible. The present group is fast moving out of sight, but other groups ara following in the wake of this.” Professor Elkins said, in speaking of the effect on the earth: "They produce no climatic or atmospheric disturbances or changes. The effect of the spots is entirely magnetic. It takes a very, sensitive compass to be affected even.”