Magnetic Influence of the Planets3

Abstract

AN attempt to discover a direct magnetic influence emanating from the planets is described in “Magnetismus der Planeten,” by Ernst Leyst. For this purpose the author makes use of the observations taken at St. Petersburg and Pawlowsk during the years 1873–1889, and calculates the average magnetic declination for the days at which the planets are at their greatest and least distance from the earth; also for those days at which the planets are at their greatest eastern and western elongation. The numbers so obtained show certain regularities, which are considered sufficiently marked to indicate a true effect of the planetary configurations. According to the tables given, the declination is increased by 0·2 minutes of arc when Venus is nearest, and is diminished by 0′·32 when it is furthest away. Mercury acts in the opposite direction, diminishing the declination by 0′·29 when it is nearest, and increasing it by 0′·20 when it is furthest. The backbone of an inquiry like this ought necessarily to be found in a careful discussion as to how far an accidental combination of figures could account for the apparent effect. The magnetic declination is subject to so many changes which to us seem accidental, that if we take a certain number out of the whole series of daily averages, they must necessarily show deviations. The whole question then turns on the discussion whether the effects found by Mr. Leyst are sufficiently large and regular to be considered as real. This part of the subject is, unfortunately, treated in an insufficient manner, and, for this reason, the author has not in my opinion made out his case.