Weather Forecasts.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1922, Page 4

Weather Forecasts.

SOLAR RAOJATrOX STATION IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, Oft 18. Before another ,vear has passed the promise of accurate long-distance weather forecasts should he fulfilled. They will (dine with the establishment of tho proposed solar radiation station near Sydney. A few of the highly sensitive and intricate Instruments necessary for the work hove Leon already received, and a much larger and more important niimher are now in the course of construction at the .Mount Wilson Observatory in California. Scientists have concluded, after paintakiug and continuous observation and long and involved calculation, that the existing abnormal changes collectively known as “weather” have their origin •chiefly, if nor. solely, in tho variation of solar radiation, an that an interpretation of this variation will t liable weather forecasts of ten, fifteen, and even twenty days, ahead to he almost ns accurate as the present mere hinted efforts. There is ample expert authority to support the new hypothesis, the potential economic importance of which can scarcely he estimated. The graziers of the State have set the seal of approval on the scheme by a substantial donation to the fund which has been established, while in other quarters there has been generous recognition ol the ellorts ol local scientists to transform a dream of years into practical guidance lor tho pastoralist. the farmer, and other sections of the community. I)r I’igott one of our leading scientists—and a Catholic priest, by the way—is acting as honorary superintend!'ml ol the station.