INTENSE MAGNETIC STORM

Chronicle (Levin), 30 March 1946, Page 2

INTENSE MAGNETIC STORM

-Press Association

COMMUNICATIONS DISRUPTED

By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, March 29. '''The evidence suggests that we inusi be in the midst of one of the most lustorically important magnetic storms ever experienced, ' ' said Air. I. L. Thomson, director of Carter Observatoiy, today when commenting on the serious interruptiou of cable and radio servkes from the northern heniisphere. No cables from London or any part of the northern heniisphere were received in Wellington from 11 p.ni. yestcrday untii shortly before noon today, nor were any radio news messages received. The uews bulletins from the B.B.C. were most indistinct and at times faded com pletely. Reports from England earlier in the week said that unprecedented displays of the Aurora Borealis had been ivituessed there, and Australia had had some of the most vivid displays of the Aurora. Austraiis on record and equalL serious interference with normal cable and radio channels froni London. The G.P.O., Wellington, reports today that from early last night until 1] this morning, cable, radio and telegraph services were subject to interruptiou as the result of aurora aird sunspoi activity, and in respect of overseas communication there was a complete blackout of beam wireless ser vices aim the cables were worked only with dirii culty. The radiotelephone channels from New Zealand to Australia and tlu U.S.A. were nnworkable, as also were tlie New Zealand-U.S.A. high speeti radio-telegraph circuits. From 11 a.m today all circuits, inciuding. the ovet seas radio and cable, were normal.