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Rewritten article:

The Historical Connection Between Holmes and Lockyer in the Study of Solar Activity

During his time lecturing in Scotland on the chemical effects of the solar spectrum, Holmes demonstrated a keen interest in solar activity and a familiarity with Lockyer’s discovery of helium lines in the solar spectrum. A letter from 1877 invites Lockyer for a business-related visit, further indicating a professional relationship between the two.

Seeking to clarify discrepancies in historical records, Wilde et al. emphasized the importance of verifiable citations. Claims of a musical instrument prank following Exeter’s train delays in 1841 lacked supporting evidence in newspapers of the time, challenging the accuracy of the reported events.

Delving into archived scientific records from the Greenwich Magnetic Observatory revealed instances of intense geomagnetic storm activity in 1840, but no notable aurora-like occurrences from October 18, 1841. In contrast, heightened geomagnetic activity on October 18, 1848 – supported by contemporary newspaper articles and sunspot observations by Temple Chevalier – aligned with documented historical events.

Further analysis of railway timetables pinpointed express trains departing Exeter at 10.05pm between March 11, 1848, and July 26, 1849. An errant listing of the 1841 date in Nature pointed to a typographical error, placing the space weather event in 1847. This incident, marked by a brilliant aurora borealis over the British Isles, notably caused a “natural current” in the Midland Railway’s telegraph system, making it the oldest documented case of space weather impacting technology.

For more information, refer to the study published in Space Weather, 2026, available at 10.1029/2026SW005239.

Source: arstechnica.com