RADIO AND WEATHER

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 44, 18 May 1928, Page 3

RADIO AND WEATHER

IS TIER SOMI RELATION? . A United States Associated Press message from Tondon, dated March 10, states:-‘‘Does radio affect the weather?" is a question around which some controversy has arisen. ‘he discussion caine after a suggestion of the Matlock Improvement Association that the effect of radio on the weather should receive a practical test by the cessation of broadcasting for a month. Some meteorological experts have described the theory as "absurd" and ridiculous." Professor A. M. Low, noted British scientist, says: "No scientist has the right to dismiss the question of radio interference with climatic conditions as of mo cotlsequence. When one deals with a sub« ject like this one must talk with care. Influence Conceivable. "Who would haye thought a few years ago that an electric current passing through glass globes in Iingland would enable a voice to be heard in Australia ? Now we have accepted this as a fact, why should it be ‘ridiculous’ to suppose that the amount of electricity launched into the air by, wireless stations should have some effect on the atmosphere? "There is no need to go to extremes and allege that radio on its own could cause rain, wind or storms, but it is not inconceivable. that the electricity, tused in broadcasting may play a Cotttrilmtory part toward breaking up the weather, . Effect on Health Cited. "Tt js as absurd to say that the announcer’s voice from 240 causes rain as it is precipitately to dismiss the theory as beneath discussion, and assert that electricity cannot affect the weather, After all, electricity and light in certain forms have been proved to have an effect on people’s health, and wheat has been assisted in its growth by artificial light. "Therefore, there is mo reason why. the effect of wireless on the atmosphere should not be the subject of careful investigation. Conditions. and other contributory causes would have to be studied over an extremely long period.’*