SUN SPOTS.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 159, 18 November 1926, Page 4

SUN SPOTS.

GREAT interest attaches to the observations of the Rev. B. Dudley, F.R.A.S., of unusual solar activity at the present time. He describes; a procession of spots right across the sun’s disc, presaging storms, floods and earthquakes in 1928-29. Observations from other parts of the world and the conclusions of other astronomers on these phenomena will be awaited with interest, for it is established quite clearly that the earth’s weather is determined by solar aetivity, or rather solar heat, which varies according to the disturbances which are' known as sun spots. The exact nature of these spots is unknown, although they are believed to represent vast electrical storms. Whether a spot is an uprush of hot matter from within or a downrush of cold gas from above is not known, as Mr. Dudley points out, but sun spots are taken as an activity which affects the structure and functions of the sun. They are accompanied by sympathetic disturbances on the earth, and by variations of solar radiation which are to be noticed in ocean temperatures. These in turn affect the earth’s weather over a cycle of years. That is why the present solar disturbances are not likely to have an immediate effect on the weather.

Faithful records, carefully filled and analysed, are bound to give, some valuable data on this subject, and in the next few days there is no doubt that more will be heard of this interesting subject from astronomers who are studying it carefully.— Christchurch Star.