Auroræ: Their Characters and SpectraCapron, J. Rand
History
Auroræ: Their Characters and Spectra
Capron, J. Rand
Auroras
The aura was somewhat larger in extent upon one electrode than on the
other. In the first case, it sprang from a considerable number of minute
illuminated points; on the other electrode, these illuminated points
were fewer in number, and the flame was more purple in tint. Reversing
the current these effects were reversed. The aura was uniformly thin and
disk-like, and the curved edge remarkably true in shape (see Plate XVII.
fig. 6).
The lateral direction of the aura was changed when the current was
reversed.
[Sidenote: Aura not proportionate to length of spark.]
3. The aura was found not proportionate to the length of the spark. When
the electrodes were approached, so as to very much shorten the spark, the
aura still sprang out to a distance and extent quite out of proportion
to the length of the spark. Even when the electrodes were approached so
close that the spark was very short indeed, still, under the magnetic
influence, a very considerable aura made its appearance.
[Sidenote: Effect of working coil-break upon the aura.]
4. Upon working the coil-break, it was found that in proportion as the
contact screw was drawn apart from the break, so the aura gradually
diminished in extent, until at last, by continuing to increase the
distance between the screw and the break, a point was reached when thin
bright sparks, without any aura, passed. Upon the screw being worked up
closer, thicker sparks passed, and the aura again made its appearance. As
the aura diminished in size it gradually changed in tint from yellowish
rose-pink to purple.
[Sidenote: Spark taken in glass bulb.]
5. The spark was taken in a glass bulb, the tube in which it was blown
being open at both ends, with the same effect as in the open air.
6. A plate of glass was laid on the poles of the magnet, and the spark
was passed _along_ the poles (in the same direction as the heavy glass
was laid in the Faraday experiment). No aura was formed. The points were
then moved round, so as to carry the spark at right angles to the poles,
and the aura was formed as before.
[Sidenote: Aura could be blown away from the spark.]
7. The aura, it was found, could be blown away at right angles to the
spark. When strongly urged, it assumed the shape of a flickering tongued
curtain of flame, flying away in the contrary direction to that from
which the current of air proceeded, and again returning to its original
shape as the impulse was removed. The spark proper was not influenced
(see Plate XVII. fig. 8).
[Sidenote: Effect of withdrawing spark from central position between the
poles.]
8. As the spark was withdrawn from its central position between the poles
of the magnet, the convex edge of the aura became gradually less perfect,
and assumed a ragged and broken-up appearance, the inequality at times
amounting almost to jets or flickering sprays of light. The spark was
also slightly curved away from the electrodes (see Plate XVII. fig. 7).
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