International Geophysical Year

MANY YEARS AGO it was realized that it would be very worth while to have certain kinds of observations made on a world‐wide basis. There are many phenomena in nature which are of a world‐wide character, and which require observations at several different stations simultaneously. Illustrations which come at once to mind include observations of the aurorae, terrestrial magnetism, ionospheric reflection of radio signals, earth currents, meteorology, cosmic rays, glaciology, and upper atmosphere studies. In 1882–3 and again a half‐century later, in 1932–3, the scientific societies of the world agreed on a common program. The year was designated a Polar Year, arctic research being the main beneficiary of the international program on the first two occasions.