Note on early fade‐out investigations

Abstract

In communications by Chapman [see 1 of “References” at end of paper], Kirby [2], Dellinger [3], and Appleton [4] there have been pointed out several interesting instances of early observations of the various effects associated with visible eruptions in the Sun's chromosphere. I should like to add to the store of information on the subject by presenting some material which I believe has not been generally available heretofore. As a matter of historical interest, it may be noted that as early as 1928 there had been advanced an explanation relating the Sun, the ionosphere, and radio fade‐outs.On October 10, 1928, a catastrophic disturbance affecting short‐wave radio transmission occurred. The phenomenon, manifested by a sudden cessation of reception, was of such a nature as to immediately attract considerable interest. The salient features of the disturbance were: Suddenness and simultaneity of onset; completeness of effect; relative rapidity of recovery, absence of any associated magnetic perturbation. It may be stated here that a few fades of similar character had been observed previously, both in this country, by the Radio Corporation of America [5], and in England, by the Marconi Company [6]. These were presumably not as devastating or far‐reaching in effect as the later fade; at least they had apparently occasioned no more than ordinary interest.