Magnetic & Radio Observations

Magnetic Storms

Construct a simple magnetometer as described in the BAA journal Vol. 93, No. 1, December 1982 page 17. Measure the differential movements of the magnet by about hourly intervals. If large changes are detected in the evening increase the frequency of reading. Record the date and time of each reading. If rotation westwards is followed by a rapid movement eastwards visual auroral activity may be detected. Local experience will soon teach the observer the differences between the diurnal variation, storm conditions and the effects of local magnetic interference.

Radio Aurorae

Point A 3 or 4 element Yagi aerial northwards and listen to the 4 metre amateur band. Clean high pitched morse reflected from auroral ionization will be heard as a low pitched rasp. Weak or wavery signals in 3.5-7 MHZ band are indicative. Transmissions will be heard over much longer distances than normal and stations beyond the radio horizon may be detected. Radio aurorae may be looked for in the afternoon but its presence may not necessarily precede a visual aurora. Record the date, time, location of receiver, the stations detected, the waveband being worked and the interference to signals detected. For further details see Radio Society of Great Britain Handbook.