The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1903-11-01

/ In twenty-SeYen and a quarter days 1nis
shows that the effect OF solar disturbance
| reaches the earth in certain direction
| from the sun only. The important fact
brought out is that sucn effect is pro-
jected from the suns edge instead OF
from its center toward the earth, which
is curious illustration of the principle
involved in the Marconi biography. IN
which electrical currents originated a
few feet above the eartn extend thou
sands Of miles along its surface and If
projected from the sun off into space
would travel horizontally as mud flies
from the rim Of wheel.
This play of forces emanating from the
sun along the surface of the earth might
very well originate the motion Of the
roation of the earth on It's axis, point in
physical astronomy which has not thus
far been explained.
Likewise, the play of such forces in this
direction would tend to put the Amos
phere in motion and mass it together in
certain localities, so that the type Of
weather prevailing in the years OF great
sun-spot activity would differ from that
prevailing in year when spots are infre-
quent
At the time Of the recent expedition of
Commander Peary TO the Arctic regions,
concerted observations were made
throughout all parts of the earth in which
the aurora is seen ard the outcome of
this intensive research is to the effect
that phenomenon masses itself IN certain
directions at particular hours. Of the day
and particular seasons of the year. Such
concentration of erect is very different
from the uniform diffusion Of light and
heat wherever tne suns rays fall and is
a point which needs be taken into ac-
count In studying all the results of such
solar activity. 1t may originate stimuli
taneously fine weather in some parts of
the earth and stormy weather in other
localities through such concentration Of
effect. The most curious relation of the
aurora to other phenomena. is in connec-
ton with thunderstorms, which are APP
parently submitted for the aurora, as
though constituting entirely different
mode OF action of these electrical forces.
During the approaching period of in
crease of sun spots there is no doubt
that the points that have been mentioned
will be more carefully considered than
impression that sun-spot activity has a
positive connection with weather condf- i
tons and everything that grows out of
such conditions. But to find out just how
these effects are produced is the point at
issue. With the clues that have been
suggested it would seem to not only
very promising but a very important SUBJ |
ject of research.
There have been submitted to the writer
observations of the aurora and earth cur |
rents within the past three months. made |
d yboth amateur and professional OBJ /
that show lively interest in the !
subject and give evidence of increasing /
insight so, that the mystery of that beau /
tiful phenomenon is likely to be solved |
in all its relations. both solar and terres- |
trial.
As regards the practical application Of |
this sort of research to the. matter of |
weather prediction there is good ground |
for the belief. that it may be of service
in determining the type of weather likely
to prevail in any given locality in partic-
alar years or parts of years.. s..,
In certain years Thunderstorm action
into higher latitudes and the au-
rora into lower attitudes at times the
belts of high pressure of the atmosphere I
IN each side of the equator change their
location in courses. All this occurs SIM
lltaneously with changes in the shape of
The suns atmosphere as seen during
sicipses under the form of what is known
Is the solar corona, and the spots ON the
sun which are confined to belts on each
side the solar equator change their lati-
-ude in harmony with these changes In
he earth's atmosphere as though they
were the cause.
1t Will be of service also to show why
The weather predictions fail at times. be-
cause the forces emanating from the sun
being of valcanic nature undergo rapid
and if their effect projected
lpon the earth is felt systematically it I
will only be possible after the event to
know why it is that certain storm either
raced across the country at express speed
1r showed a tendency TO linger as did the
famous New York blizzard remaining
over the city for four days. when, accord
ng TO all rules( it ought to have Travelled
IF the Atlantic coast in few hours.
The rapidity of the movement of storms
across the country is the most difficult
hing to forecast. The possibility of its
IL this way would take the
sting out of criticisms of the weather bu-
eau and put matters in a much better
shape every way. The question of storm
reconsideration comes in also.
1t is not only the rapidity of movement
out also the increase in violence of the
storm that renders it almost impossible
% forecast by present methods So even
f it is impossible 10 be wise after the
went and 10 know the reason for such
of intensication it is a point
gained.
The general theories OF the behavior OF
he atmosphere would be very extensive
y modified If electrical forces do indeed
day a part. a very curious form OF
torn action that has puzzledm eteoroIo-
;lsts IS increase Of thunderstorms at
bout o'clock in the morning instead OF
n the afternoon as is usually the, case.
This would be easy Of explanation in con-
lection with the play Of electrical forces
themselves in certain parts
# the earth az certain hours OF the day,
solving the question as T. night thunder
forms. that has not been solved b. ex-
sting theories Of ths movement Of the
atmosphere.
BY F. H. BIGELOW.
Professor of Meteorology at the United
States Weather Bureau
The connection between the outbreak OF
un spots and the weather conditions of
he earth has hen discussed for many
ears with very different conclusions. \
erJain class Of scientists contend that
here is a distant connection between the
Weather conditions and the number of