Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1907-02-21
SUN SPOT PLAINLY SEEN.
What Columbia's Astronomers
Think Of Phenomenon.
Atmospheric Disturbances-First Dis
covered by Professor at AIIegh-
cny-Morc than Fifteen Times
ms Large n. the Earth.

Statements made by members Of the
Columbia University astronomical depart
ment corroborate the reported discovery
Of a huge sun spot by Prof. John A.
Brashear of the Allegheny Observatory
a. Pittsburg
The spot is the largest seen in many
years and is likely to cause some atmos-
pheric disturbances. In size It is more
than fifteen times the diameter of tho
earth, and is large enough to be plainly
visible to tho naked eye. It In computed 70
be 1890 miles in length and 10000 miles
wide, covering an area of about 3,5i0,OO,-
600 square miles.
Astronomers throughout the country
arc watching the spot with interest, in
asmuch as it has appeared unexpectedly
and at time when such occurrences are
rare. No theory has been advanced to ac-
count for the appearance Of the hugo
spot at this time.
Prof II. Jacoby. head Of Columbia's de-
partment OF astronomy. said:
"The large sun spot was observed this
! morning at tho university through a small
! telescope, the equatorial being dismount-
ed temporarily. The spot appeared about
as described by DR.. Brashear Of Allegh-
eny. 1t is unusually large but not larger
than is frequently the case with sun
spots at periods Of great solar activity.
| Astronomers have no generally accept
ed theory as to the cause and nature u
sun spots; hut some connection with tor
restrial phenomena surely exists, because
the curves representing the frequency of
magnetic storms and Of tho Aurora b y
reals are practically identical with tbs
curve OF sun spot frequency. Perhaps the
best way to observe the spot with th'
naked eye. is to examine the suns sur
face through "A piece Of smoked glass. Th'
spot is 50 conspicuous that it will b.
plainly visible at the first plance."
According to DR.. s. A. Mitchell of the
Columbia astronomical laboratory, tn
lsnOt is sure to affect atmospheric Condi
tons to some extent. DR.. Mitchell said:
Every eleven and one tenth years ther
are great number Of spots on the SUI
Tho maximum of this period occurre
about two years ago, so that il is a lit
tie unusual to find so big a spot Mt thi
, time. These spots travel from west {;
east across the face Of the sun. takin
: about twelve days in so doing For tn
, next week. therefore, the great spot vii
be a very conspicuous object It's lengt
, is calculated at 1lS.000 miles, or mar
than one-eight of the suns diameter
can easily be seen by the naked eye a
, sunrise or sunset. When the spot AZ
5 rives at the center Of the sun. which wi
take about two days we may look ou
for some peculiar electrical discharge!
4 such as ringing Of fire. alarm bells or tn
p temporary cessation OF Geographic CON
: munication.
r 1T is quite likely that for sever;
I nights to come, displays OF Norther
r Lights and OF the Aurora Borealis may
p seen. Electrical disturbances usually OF
/ cur on the earth as a result Of sun spot
d. AS compared to the earth, the spot meas
= ures fifteen times the diameter of tn
= earth. and IS the largest Of its kind see
o in many years. Why tt appears just a
. this time is impossible to say"