RARE PHENOMENON

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20783, 18 April 1939, Page 6

RARE PHENOMENON

AURORA AUBTRALIB SEEN DISTINCTLY IN WAIKATO Last evening was one of the few occasions when the aurora australis has ever been seen in Hamilton. The display in the night sky over Pirongia south-west of the town was an excellent example of the phenomenon, which is rarely seen as far north as the Waikato. Reports from other towns in the district indicate that the aurora was seen plainly throughout the Waikato and it was visible as far north as Auckland and WVrkworth. New Zealand, being the nearest country to the south magnetic pole, which is the centre of activity of the aurora australis, is the best country in the Southern Hemisphere from which to view the display, but while South Islanders regard it as common people in the north rarely have an opportunity of witnessing it. The display from Hamilton lasted from about 8 to 8.2 U p.m. It was seen quite brightly and appeared to be pulsating. It was a dull glow something similar to the glare of electric signs on black coal sinoke. It extended from about 60 degrees to 70 degrees across the horizon.