Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-15

senting the frequency of magnetic storms
and Of the aurora borealis are practically
identical with the curve of sunspot fire.
quency. 1t is. therefore, likely that the
present sunspot will be accompanied by
an auroral display and a magnetic storm.
Whether either of these will be notice.
able in this latitude is uncertain. Auroral
displays of great beauty are frequently
only visible in more northerly ATTITUDES.
"A magnetic storm is popularity sup
posed to be only a storm accompanied by
thunder and lightning; but magnetic
storm may occur without such visible and
audible manifestations. 1t may rage in a
blue and apparently serene sky. 1t re-
veals it's presence in the pranks it plays
with telephones, telegraphs and other cleo
trical apparatus. Through the Interior
ence with the current messages ON the
wire will be interrupted or come in jerks.
Fire alarm and telephone bells may ring
without human agency.
I'VE are not watching for the aurora
borealis from the Columbia University OBJ
servatory. If It occurs in this vicinity we
will get such data as We may want from
the weather bureau"
AS He Predicted.
PITTSBURG, February 15-The most
phenomenal atmospheric disturbance ever
witnessed in this city occurred at 1852
o'clock yesterday, when, in the midst of an
extraordinarily heavy blizzard several
peals of loud thunder were heard and a
vivid flash of lightning came from the
heavens, causing magnificent complication
Of atmospheric conditions and frightening
many persons who saw the remarkable oc-
currence.
Prof John A. Brashear of the Allegheny
observatory, who announced through the
Associated Press the discovery of one of
the greatest sunspots ever called to the at
tention of the astronomers, when seen again
regarding yesterdays phenomenon, said:
THE disturbance shortly after noon yes
terday was the most remarkable thing 1
have ever known. In view Of the gigantic
sunspot 1 expected an electrical disturb
ance some time. 1 thought, however. it
would take the form of the aurora borealis
or that telegraph and telephone communi-
cation would be seriously affected.
Instead the disturbance was. awe-inspir-
ing and terrible to those who observed it.
From an official standpoint can say moth
ing definite regarding the matter, owing to
my inability to see the sun on account OF
the severe snow storm. If l had seen the
sun l could have studied the exact cause
of the disturbance and probably would have
made comprehensive statement.
Remarkable Phenomenon.
LAS it is now, 1 do not want to stand
sponsor for any statement concerning the
phenomenon. Unofficially, however, it was
very remarkable, considering the low tenn
perature at the time.
"At noon. yesterday the great sun spot,
which is $4,000 miles long and 10000 miles
wide, covering an area of about $1,000
600 square miles, was directly facing the
earth. This spot is very active. Taking
these facts into consideration, it is not hard
for one to stretch his imagination and con-
meet the cause of the disturbance with the
sun spot. Then. again. there Is white
line, about 10000 miles long. running
through the spot, and in my belief this
white line is responsible for conditions yes
terday and any additional phenomena which
are very apt to follow"
In Allegheny City the disturbance caused
an interruption to all the police and fire
alarm signals. The temperature In this
vicinity has fallen twenty-three degrees
since morning, with the expectation of zero
conditions before tomorrow.
AS the result Of the electrical storm yes
terday the police and fire telegraph systems
Of both Pittsburg and Allegheny are out of
commission. Shortly after 1 o'clock the
air was so charged with electricity that the
wires became useless. and reports at police
Headquarters state that the wires were
ncht nir