Solar Radiation Temperatures

Abstract

IN NATURE of August 24th, page 325, you quote the sun and shade temperatures published by Mr. H. Steward and Mr. F. Nunes, of Chiselhurst, and conclude with the following sentence—“Surely there must be an error somewhere. The maximum temperature of Mr. S. or Mr. N. differ by 40° and 50°! Who is to teach or correct amateur meteorologists?” With your permission I will endeavour (1)to explain the possible cause of these discrepancies, (2) to show that it is to “amateur meteorologists” alone that we are indebted for (α) all published information on the subject, and (β) for the inauguration of a system of strictly comparable observations on the temperature of the sun.