The field for linear aggregates of metallic nanospheres is calculated. This field is analogous to that of the surface TM0 wave of a metallic cylinder with a negative dielectric permittivity. The spontaneous emission of an atom into a surface wave is shown to be greatly enhanced. This enhancement is as great as 1014 times for a two-photon process (Raman scattering). The TM0 wave is concentrated in the vicinity of the nanocylinder surface instead of extending in space to infinity. Being restricted in its length, the nanocylinder radiates efficiently into free space in contrast to the case of an infinite (plane or cylindrical) surface. The duration of the atomic dipole radiation is about 1 fs under the conditions discussed. The situation considered can be realized readily in actual experiments. It can explain the pronounced increase in the Raman intensity in the experiments described by Nie and Emory in 1997.