THE UNSETTLED WEATHER.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 November 1921, Page 4

THE UNSETTLED WEATHER.

INFLUENCE OF THE SUN’S ACTIVITY. AN INTERESTING THEORY. Mr. Clement Wragge, the noted astronomer, in conversation with a Daily News representative last night, gave an interesting reason for the present unseasonable state of the weather, which he ascribed to electro-magnetic activity in the sun. “Electro-magnetic forces of great potency,” said Mr. Wragge, “are evidently affecting our sun, in that, although the solar minimum should now prevail, further gigantic eruptions and upheavals are in progress in the sun’s atmospheres. The measurements considerably exceed 20.000 miles in diameter each: and as they burst out with such terrific fury they set in motion wireless waves which undoubtedly bombard the earth and produce in our seasons. To the sun’s unusual actenic power at this time must be attributed in these latitudes the recent rains at a time when, in the normal course of events the rainfall should, have fallen off. The same remarks apply to Australia in a more marked degree.” Mr. Wragge added: “The present solar disturbances can be viewed with only moderate optical aid, but especial care should be taken to use a dark glass over the telescopic eye-piece, or one heavily smoked, as otherwise the sight might be q seriously impaired. A piece of smoked glass, however, should be sufficient for those whose eyesight is keen.”