The effect of a solar eclipse on the Earth's magnetic field

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Abstract
Summary—The reduction of ionization in the E‐layer, at a point on the track of the total eclipse of August 31, 1932, has been measured by Henderson; the effect of this on electron‐currents flowing in the layer is here examined, and the corresponding magnetic effects are inferred. If this layer is the seat of the currents which produce the solar diurnal magnetic variation (S), the magnetic effects of an eclipse should, it is inferred, be apparent, and their nature is described. If, however, S is produced in the upper (F) ionized layer, the eclipse‐effects are likely to be too small for detection with certainty. The magnetic observations during eclipses are discussed, and the opinion is expressed that they show no regular magnetic effect of the type here predicted, and that therefore 5 is probably not produced in the E‐layer; but a final decision must await further observations.

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