Abstract
We have recently passed the 75th anniversary of one of the most important results in solar and space physics: Hannes Alfvén’s discovery of Alfvén waves and the Alfvén speed. To celebrate the anniversary, this article recounts some major episodes in the history of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves. Following an initially cool reception, Alfvén’s ideas were propelled into the spotlight by Fermi’s work on cosmic rays, the new mystery of coronal heating, and, as scientific perception of interplanetary space shifted dramatically and the space race started, detection of Alfvén waves in the solar wind. From then on, interest in MHD waves boomed, laying the foundations for modern remote observations of MHD waves in the Sun, coronal seismology, and some of today’s leading theories of coronal heating and solar wind acceleration. In 1970, Alfvén received the Nobel Prize for his work in MHD, including these discoveries. The article concludes with some reflection about what the history implies about the way we do science, especially the advantages and pitfalls of idealised mathematical models.
Highlights
83 Page 2 of 9In seeking to explain why MHD waves gained greater attention after Fermi’s intervention, a third factor besides reputation and clear argument should be considered: the credit that MHD waves gained by being linked to a great mystery that was part of the current scientific zeitgeist, here, the origin of cosmic rays
We have recently, on 3 October 2017, passed 75 years since Nature published the short letter that announced Hannes Alfvén’s discovery that the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations imply the wave and speed that bear his name
This article celebrates that discovery, which is one of the most important results in solar and space physics
Summary
In seeking to explain why MHD waves gained greater attention after Fermi’s intervention, a third factor besides reputation and clear argument should be considered: the credit that MHD waves gained by being linked to a great mystery that was part of the current scientific zeitgeist, here, the origin of cosmic rays. This is an important and recurring theme in the history of Alfvén waves. No doubt currents could be produced in other ways . . . discharges give probably an essential additive heating of the chromosphere and especially
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