Arctic Magnetic Observations

Abstract

A SYSTEMATIC series of observations on terrestrial magnetism, atmospheric electricity and aurora was commenced by Prof. Birkeland and his assistants in 1899–1900, and a report upon some of the results was published last year.¹ The first observations were made at Bossekop (Finmarken), in the north of Norway. For magnetic observation, self-recording photographic apparatus was employed of the Eschenhagen pattern, the drums carrying the paper being capable of rotation at two speeds, the faster supplying a very open time scale. Fast runs were made simultaneously on certain prearranged days at Bossekop and Potsdam. A comparison of the records showed the simultaneous, or practically simultaneous, occurrence on several occasions of small regular magnetic waves at the two stations. Similar previous comparisons by Eschenhagen. and others have led to similar results, but the comparatively great distance—some 2000 kilometres—between the twa stations in the present case makes the results of special interest.