Solar Radiation: An Anomalous Decrease of Direct Solar Radiation

Beginning in November 1963, measurements made at the South Pole of solar radiation at normal incidence indicate a decrease of from 5 to 78 percent of the normal intensity. Similar measurements made at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, show a similar though smaller reduction. The causal factor is believed to be a layer of atmospheric dust resulting from the eruption of Mt. Agung, Bali, in March 1963.