Early American sunspot drawings from the "year without a summer". Issue 7 (15th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denig, W. F.; McVaugh, M. R.
• Is Part Of: Space weather. Volume 15:Issue 7(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 857
• Page End: 860
• Publication Date: 2017-07-15
• Subjects: sunspot drawings -- space weather; Space environment -- Periodicals; 551.509992
• DOI: 10.1002/2017SW001647
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1542-7390

Abstract

Abstract: A set of sunspot drawings from the early nineteenth century were discovered in the journals of the Reverend Jonathan Fisher. These drawings were made during a time when abnormally cold weather caused crops in New England to fail due to intermittent frost throughout the summer months of 1816, normally referred to as the "year without a summer." Global changes in weather patterns were the result of the Mount Tambora volcano eruption. Since this association was unknown at the time, there was speculation that the Sun was the cause inspiring the Reverend Fisher to monitor changes in sunspots during the summer of 1816 and continuing into 1817. These sunspot drawings for the summer of 1816 overlap the solar observations of Sir William Hershel. Key Points: American sunspot drawings from the early 19th century Records found in the journals of the Reverend Fisher