Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-26
ATLANTIC CABLES USELESS
Phenomenon Known to Scientists
as the "Aurora."
RECOGNIZED MISCHIEF MAKER
Southern New England, Long Is
land and Western Sections
Within the Zone.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

NEW YORK, September 25.-The elec-
tro magnetic phenomenon known to as
tronomers and electrical scientists as the
aurora" spread its influences over east
ern New York, Pennsylvania and the
New England states this morning, prac-
tically paralyzed every telegraph wire in
these sections and left the Atlantic
cables helpless.
Wire chiefs in the telegraph Offices first
noticed the disturbance about $50 o'clock.
The wires working with eastern and west
ern points fell dead one after another.
The Atlantic cables began to show trou-
BILE and the long-distance lines of the
telephone system were reported useless
indefinitely" The influence on the cleo
trio systems displayed an intermittent
character. The wires would work appar-
emily well for a time. then suddenly fall
dead for a few moments. and then pick
up lamely. n this symptom the wire
chiefs recognized the aurora a mischief
maker not unknown to them. Its pranks
have been experienced before, but rarely
have they been SO severe.
Particulars Come Slowly.
With the web of wires which radiate
from New York in all directions useless,
it was slow and difficult work to learn
the extent of the disturbance. The phe-
nomenon was most severe and appeared
first over southern New England and
Long Island. land then swept westward,
communication before it. AS far west as
Pittsburg all the circuits were in trou-
Bile. Telephone wires leading from New
York to Chicago were paralyzed, and
every means of wire communication was
interrupted.
The wave showed the first signs of pass
ing at 1851 o'clock, and seemed to be
moving then rapidly westward. From wire
points picked up momentarily it was re-
ported that its influence had extended as
far south as Virginia and eastern Ten
nessee.
At $50 the disturbance was consider
ably relieved and communication as far
west as Chicago was established.
The aurora. while still much OF an
enigma to electrical scientists, is known
to be closely associated with the electro
magnetic system Of the earth, both AS
to its origin and its visibility, although
the Intermittent effects wfffc4f were manf-
tested this morning are not fully Under
stood.
Explanation by Scientists.
The most probable explanation. scien-
fists say, is that solar radiations possess
electro magnetic energy. which. when it
reaches the earth. is divided into two
principal fields, one of which passes
through the earth in line nearly paral-
lei to the line joining the two magnetic
poles and the other parallel to the plane
OF the ecliptic. The first acts by the
law of magnetic induction. and the Sec
This Is the season in which such a
disturbance is to be expected.
Because similar disturbances have been
noticed during the maximum sun spot
vHA vi xx,ofn 1ha1 olA ~
ago some astronomers have conjectured
that these so-called storms originated in
the center of life Of the solar system, the
electromagnetic waves being simply pull
sations from some mightier disturbance
on the sun.
In West and South.
FORT WORTH, Tex. September 25.-
Both the Western Union and Postal Tele-
graph companies today report all their
wires over the state out of commission
for long periods, due to the effect Of the
aurora borealis.
OGDEN. Utah, September 25.-Unusual
meteorological conditions prevailed in
this part Of Utah today. The weather
suddenly changed from the frost condi-
tions of fall to that Of balmy spring
Telegraph wire chiefs attribute the
earth currents to the aurora borealis,
which was visible, Illuminating the north
ern heavens to the zenith with streams
Of white light.
United Kingdom, Also.
LONDON, September 25.-The whole
telegraphic system of the United King
dom and all cable services are seriously
affected by the magnetic storm expert
enced here soon after noon today. The
underground wires suffered more than
the overhead wires. the telephone system
being little affected. The last occasion
on which the wires were similarly put
out of working order here was six years
ago. The trouble Is attributed by cable
experts to the aurora borealiS.
Sun Spots Observed in Washington.
An examination of Photographic mega.
, tive of the sun taken by astronomers OF
the United States Naval Observatory here
today disclosed the fact that there was
one large spot on the going or or ives,
side of the sun. with number of smaller
spots south of the large one. In Its
present position 1t is estimated that the
large spot will disappear from the sun ir
about four days, and the small spots
probably sooner.
The observatory astronomers say it is
| supposed that the sun spots have some
connection with the aurora display bu1
1t has not been determined to what ex.
tent. They say that while large spots
! usually appear on the sun during the
| manifestations of the aurora borealis
| there Is not necessarily an auroral dis
play when there are spots on the sun.
The spot period. according to the Off
cials. occurs about every eleven anC
one-tenth years. and this period is nov
nearing the minimum. the maximum hav.
ing been reached about 1904 or 1905. The
| spots are gradually diminishing in mum
ber. and 1t is expected that in the course
| Of time they will entirely disappear
PLAYS HAVOC WITH TRAFFIC
Electrical Disturbance Very Severe
on Branch Of Pennsy Road.
| Special Dispatch to The Star
WILMINGTON. Del. September 25-