Cosmic Electrodynamics Research Articles

Ultralow Frequency Resonators: on the 80th Anniversary of the Discovery of Alfvén Waves

The concept of Alfvén waves, introduced into science 80 years ago, played an important role in the formation and development of cosmic electrodynamics. Alfvén waves differ in that at each point in space the group velocity vector and the vector of the external magnetic field are collinear to each other, due to which the waves can carry momentum, energy, and information over long distances. In memory of the outstanding event, we briefly describe two Alfvén resonators, one of which is located high above the Earth, in the radiation belt, and the second, in the ionospheric layers. Both resonators have a discrete spectrum in the upper part of the range of ultralow frequency oscillations of natural origin (approximately from 0.2 Hz to 7 Hz). The close connection between the concept of Alfvén waves and the current problems of the electrodynamics of geophysical media is especially emphasized.

Волны Альвена: к 80-летию открытия

The article is dedicated to the anniversary of the discovery of Alfvén waves. The concept of Alfvén waves has played an outstanding role in the formation and development of cosmic electrodynamics. A distinctive feature of Alfvén waves is that at each point in space the group velocity vector and the external magnetic field vector are collinear to each other. As a result, Alfvén waves can carry momentum, energy, and information over long distances. We briefly describe two Alfvén resonators, one of which is formed in the ionosphere, and the second presumably exists in Earth’s radiation belt. The existence of the ionospheric resonator is justified theoretically and confirmed by numerous observations. The second resonator is located between reflection points located high above Earth symmetrically with respect to the plane of the geomagnetic equator.

Alfvén waves: To the 80th anniversary of discovery

The article is dedicated to the anniversary of the discovery of Alfvén waves. The concept of Alfvén waves has played an outstanding role in the formation and development of cosmic electrodynamics. A distinctive feature of Alfvén waves is that at each point in space the group velocity vector and the external magnetic field vector are collinear to each other. As a result, Alfvén waves can carry momentum, energy, and information over long distances. We briefly describe two Alfvén resonators, one of which is formed in the ionosphere, and the second presumably exists in Earth’s radiation belt. The existence of the ionospheric resonator is justified theoretically and confirmed by numerous observations. The second resonator is located between reflection points located high above Earth symmetrically with respect to the plane of the geomagnetic equator.

The choice of the concept of magnetic field lines or of electric current lines: Alfvén medal lecture

Abstract. In 1967, at the Birkeland Symposium in Sandefjord, Norway, Professor Hannes Alfvén stated that the second approach (in solving unsolved problems by the standard MHD theory) to cosmic electrodynamics is to "thaw" the "frozen-in" magnetic field lines. "We can illustrate essential properties of the electromagnetic state of space either by depicting the magnetic field lines or by depicting electric current lines," he said. There has been much progress in space physics since the Birkeland Symposium more than 40 years ago, but unfortunately our scientific community has not really succeeded in thawing the frozen-in field lines. Instead, it has pursued magnetic reconnection, a concept that Alfvén had been critical of. It is shown here that we have to study many unsolved problems and problems thought to be solved in terms of both the magnetic field line concept and the current system concept. In taking Alfvén's approach, we must consider the whole system, including the power supply (dynamo process) and its transmission and distribution (electric currents) and observed phenomena (power dissipation processes). Such a consideration can provide physical insight into many of our unsolved problems and problems thought to be solved. In this paper, we consider substorm onset processes, the substorm current system, sunspots, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, the interplanetary current sheet, and the magnetic field configuration of the heliosphere in terms of the current system concept. In particular, it is shown that a study of the current system is essential in substorm studies, more than changes of the magnetic field configuration in the magnetotail.

The Value of the Gravitation Constant and Its Relation to Cosmic Electrodynamics

This paper presents progress on the gravity-electromagnetism-strong (GEMS) theory in the context of a plasma universe. The GEMS theory is now understood in terms of the standard model of physics and allows the practical unification of the EM, gravitational, and Strong forces. Two central problems in cosmology are addressed in the context of the GEMS theory: (1) the value of the ratio of coupling constants of EM and gravity; and (2) the calculation of the dark energy density in the cosmos, which drives cosmic expansion. It is found that a tachyonic quantum field provides the negative energy density that creates a cosmological constant. The acceleration of the cosmos is found to create a ldquoback reactionrdquo positive radiation pressure with a uniform spectrum out to the Planck frequency, which is a concept first proposed by Zel'dovich, to partially cancel the cosmological constant. The resulting radiation field is found to provide both a mechanism for attraction of particles and production of mass via a Kaluza-Klein fifth dimension. Derivation of expressions for the gravitation constant using a combined Kaluza-Klein and Sakharov model is also shown and validated by a standard model formulation based on the observed variation of alpha with energy G cong planckc/Metac 2 exp(-1/(1.61alpha)), where alpha is the fine structure constant, planck is Planck's constant, c is the speed of light, and Metac is the mass of the etacc charmonium meson. Moreover, it is found that the infrared cutoff in integrals over momentum space corresponds approximately to the 3000-MeV masses of the etacc and J/Psi mesons that figure largely in parity violating particle events. It is also found from both derivations that GEMS predicts gravity EM unification at Planck's energy.

Fraktal'naya topologiya i strannaya kinetika: ot teorii perkolyatsii k problemam kosmicheskoi elektrodinamiki

Fraktal'naya topologiya i strannaya kinetika: ot teorii perkolyatsii k problemam kosmicheskoi elektrodinamiki

Chapman and Alfvén: A rigorous mathematical physicist versus an inspirational experimental physicis

Modern magnetospheric physics owes its initial development to two great pioneers: Sydney Chapman and Hannes Alfvén (Figure 1), who took very different and contrasting approaches to their research activities. This caused one of the most memorable controversies in space physics during the 20th century.The controversy was initiated formally by Alfvén [1951] when he criticized a paper by D.F. Martyn entitled, “The Theory of Magnetic Storms and Auroras,” published in Nature in 1951. Alfvén stated: “Dr. Martyns treatment is founded on Chapman‐Ferraro's theory of magnetic storms. It is not my intention to review here the objections to this theory, objections which I believe to be fatal—nor is it worthwhile to discuss the curious super structure which Dr. Martyn tried to erect on this weak ground.” Alfven's objections will be described after briefly providing the background on which the Chapman‐Ferraro theory was constructed. It may be mentioned at the outset that Chapman, together with T. G. Cowling, was well recognized by his publication of a classical treatise, “The Mathematical Theory of Non‐Uniform Gases” in 1953; and also, with J. Bartels, of “Geomagnetism” in 1940, while Alfv´en established himself by the publication of an inspirational book,“Cosmical Electrodynamics” in 1950.

Neutral Dynamics and High Frequency Electromagnetic Mode inPartially Ionised Plasma

A general dispersion relation for the high frequency domain(ω >> Ωi) in a partially, ionized,inhomogeneous and magnetised plasma is derived by incorporatingneutral dynamics. Plasma and neutral fluids are described by basic twofluids and Maxwell’s equation [Alfvén, H. and Falthammar,C. G., “Cosmical Electrodynamics” (Oxford1963)]. It is emphasized that the introduction of neutral dynamics notonly generates neo-modes or neo-classes of instabilities but alsomodifies earlier results [Huba, J. D., Phys. Fluids B3, 3217(1991) and Phys. Plasma 2, 2504 (1995).]. The importance of amagnetic field gradient with neutral density gradient in generatingthese modes has also been demonstrated. The probable candidacy of thefindings is discussed.

Comment on “The solar flare myth” by J. T. Gosling

Journal of Geophysical Research: Space PhysicsVolume 100, Issue A5 p. 7917-7919 Papers on Solar and Heliospheric Physics CommentariesFree Access Comment on “The solar flare myth” by J. T. Gosling M. I. Pudovkin, M. I. PudovkinSearch for more papers by this author M. I. Pudovkin, M. I. PudovkinSearch for more papers by this author First published: 1 May 1995 https://doi.org/10.1029/94JA03033Citations: 7AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article. References Akasofu, S.-I., S. Yoshida, The structure of the solar plasma flow generated by solar flares, Planet. Space Sci., 15, 39, 1967. Cane, H. V., The evolution of interplanetary shocks, J. Geophys. Res., 90, 191, 1985. Gold, T., Plasma and magnetic fields in the solar system, J. Geophys. Res., 64, 1665, 1959. Gosling, J. T., The solar flare myth, J. Geophys. Res., 98, 18,937, 1993. Harrison, R. A., E. Hildner, A. J. Hundhausen, D. G. Sime, G. M. Simnett, The launch of solar coronal mass ejection: Results from the coronal mass ejection onset program, J. Geophys. Res., 95, 917, 1990. Ivanov, K. G., N. V. Mikerina, Ground level geomagnetic effects of interplanetary shocks fronts from powerful isolated flares of the nearby zone (in Russian), Geomagn. Aeron., 20, 508– 514, 1980. Ivanov, K. G., N. V. Mikerina, Powerful isolated flares of the near zone and the connection of the magnetic field of bipolar groups with the field of interplanetary flare throws and with geomagnetic disturbances (in Russian), Geomagn. Aeron., 21, 34– 38, 1981. King, J. H., The Interplanetary Medium Data Book, National Space Science Data Center, Greenbelt, Md., 1977. Piddington, J. H., Cosmic electrodynamics, 87, John Willey, New York, 1969. Pudovkin, M. I., A. D. Chertkov, Magnetic field of the solar wind, Sol. Phys., 50, 213– 229, 1976. Pudovkin, M. I., S. A. Zaitseva, I. P. Oleferenko, Magnetic field of the flare stream, in Russian, Izv. Acad. Nauk SSSR Ser. phys., 41, 242– 251, 1977. Pudovkin, M. I., S. A. Zaitseva, A. D. Chertkov, E. M. Fomina, The structure and geoefficiency of high velocity solar wind streams, Solar-Terrestrial Predictions Proceedings, , 3 F. Donnelly, B56– 65, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, 1980. Sheeley, N. R., R. A. Howard, M. J. Koomen, D. J. Michels, R. Schwenn, K. H. Mühlhäuser, H. Rosenbauer, Coronal mass ejections and interplanetary shocks, J. Geophys. Res., 90, 163, 1985. Citing Literature Volume100, IssueA51 May 1995Pages 7917-7919 ReferencesRelatedInformation

Velior Petrovich

Dr. Velior Petrovich Shabansky, aged 58, the head of the Laboratory of Cosmic Electrodynamics, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow State University, suddenly passed away on November 16, 1985, of a heart attack. He was one of the founders of theoretical ideas in physics of interplanetary and near‐earth space. Shabansky obtained his education at the Moscow State University and joined the P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the U.S.S.R., as a postgraduate. He obtained his Candidate's Degree in theory of conductivity of metals in strong electric fields, with V. L. Ginsburg as his advisor, in 1954. During 1954–1958, Shabansky continued investigation of nonlinear properties of plasma in metals. For the next 2 years, he worked at the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory. Shabansky left the Crimean Observatory to go to the Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow State University, where he investigated the earth's radiation belts, the plasma of the earth's magnetosphere, finished his doctoral dissertation, and received his degree in 1966. From 1966, he headed the Laboratory of Cosmic Electrodynamics, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Moscow State University. He is best known to the scientific community in the Soviet Union as chief of the Seminar on Cosmic Electrodynamics. Shabansky elaborated a special course of lectures on space physics that has been delivered for many years at the Physical Faculty, Moscow State University. He taught a large number of Soviet physicists, experts in cosmic electrodynamics. An enthusiastic, talented, and many‐sided personality, he carried away everybody who knew him. He was known to the U.S. space physics community because of his own work, because of the work of his colleagues and students, a n d because of his infectious and spirited personality. Having died an untimely death, he left a deeply mourning widow and a 23‐year‐old son. Friends and colleagues will keep the bright image of Dr. Shabansky in their memory forever.

Origin of cosmic magnetic fields

A summary is given of the reasons why an understanding of cosmic hydromagnetic phenomena is impossible without describing them explicitly by electric currents. This applies also to the production of cosmic magnetic fields. The purpose of the paper is to demonstrate that a simple translation from the traditional magnetic field description to a current description gives important new aspects of cosmical electrodynamics, including a new approach to the production of magnetic fields. One of the results is that the kink-instability of electric currents is found to be the basic physical phenomenon responsible for magnetic flux generation in cosmical physics. Laboratory plasma experiments demonstrate the existence of a simple mechanism for flux amplification, and it seems obvious that the same mechanism should work also under cosmical conditions. A simple model is discussed. We start from a poloidal magnetic field (which may be extremely weak). Differential motions change the field configuration which means that kinetic energy is transferred into magnetic energy of induced toroidal fields. The currents associated with these get unstable when the toroidal energy exceeds the poloidal energy resulting in an amplification of the original poloidal field. This simple process of transfer of kinetic energy into poloidal magnetic energy is probably the main mechanism for magnetic flux generation in low density cosmic plasmas. In view of the serious difficulties of planetary dynamo theories, attempts should be made to develop it into a theory of the magnetization of celestial bodies.

Electrodynamic and gravitational effects of proca stresses in astrophysics

If the photon were to have a rest mass near the best present upper limit,m≲3×10−53 g, Maxwell's equations would be inapplicable over distances exceeding about 1015 cm, with profound implications for cosmic electrodynamics. This paper deals with electrodynamic and gravitational effects of the non-Maxwellian stresses which would be associated with large-scale magnetic fields in quasi-static plasmas in these circumstances. The existence of moderately dense interstellar gas clouds with relatively strong magnetization shows thatm≲10−58 g. General relativity must be used to calculate even the ‘Newtonian’ gravitational effects of electromagnetic fields, and it is shown here that the Newtonian potential caused by the non-Maxwellian stresses just cancels that caused by the non-Maxwellian energy density. Previous arguments based on the latter alone are therefore invalid.

Magnetospheric substorms

The magnetospheric substorm is perhaps the most widely known yet most poorly understood facet of magnetospheric disturbances. It is generally agreed that the substorm results from an explosive conversion of magnetic energy generated by the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere. The energy thus released causes a variety of magnetospheric and polar upper atmospheric disturbances. Although much of the interpretation of substorm observations is still a matter of great controversy, we have made considerable progress in understanding substorm phenomena in terms of plasma processes, most of which are fundamental in cosmic electrodynamics.

Cosmic tests of Maxwell's equations

Maxwell's equations are usually assumed for cosmic electrodynamics, although they have not been adequately tested and shown to be applicable. Tradition is the main justification for using them. Other electromagnetic theories exist which are of similar antiquity to Maxwell's theory; they have been thoroughly tested for laboratory and terrestrial physics and shown to have consequences indistinguishable from Maxwell's equations for phenomena that occur on these scales. But Maxwell's equations and the alternative theories can provide fundamentally different descriptions of cosmic phenomena. In this paper we examine the possibility that the photon has a non-zero rest mass. In part II of the series it is intended to examine the evidence for the existence of magnetic monopoles.

Comments on a note published in cosmic electrodynamics

Brief comments are offered on the recent research note on radial dependence of electron temperature in two-fluid models of the solar wind by Weber

Critique of fluid theory of magnetospheric phenomena

It is pointed out that the fluid theory has been successful in magnetospheric problems (such as the shape of the magnetopause) which involve basic considerations such as the conservation of particles, of momentum, and of energy, but that it is inadequate for other problems (such as the energization of auroral particles). Difficulties arise from the fact that it is not always possible to specify ‘a volume of plasma’ because particles do not remain as neighbours. Misuse of the fluid theory has led to a number of fallacies, such as the idea that the causal order of physical events in cosmic electrodynamics is the reverse of that in the familiar laboratory electrodynamics. This mistaken idea comes from a confusion of a mathematical sequence of calculations with the causal order. Also, the importance of the magnetic field as an active element is over-emphasized. Appreciation of the fact that kinetic theory is the more fundamental seems to be widely lacking. A plea is made for a common sense approach to magnetospheric and auroral problems wherein the fluid theory is used whenever it can, but where it is not expected to be adequate for all purposes.

Reviews of books

Abstract Abstract Superconductivity and Quantum Fluids. By Z. M. GALASIBWICZ. (Pergamon Press, 1970.) [Pp. vii + 237.] Price £4 0s. Od. Theory of Intermolecular Forces. By H. MARGENAU and N. R. KESTNEB. (Pergamon Press, 1969.) [Pp. x + 360.] Price £4 10s. Od. Cosmic Electrodynamics. By J. H. PIDDINGTON. (John Wiley & Sons, 1969.) [Pp. 305.] Price £8 15s. Od. Journal of Luminescence. Vols. 1 and 2. Proceedings of International Conference on Luminescence, University of Newark, Delaware, August 1969. Edited by FERD WILLIAMS. (North-Holland, 1970.) [Pp. 959.] Price £21 0 S. Od.

Space Plasma Journal

Cosmic Electrodynamics An International Journal devoted to Geophysical and Astrophysical Plasmas. Edited by C. P. Sonnet. Vol. 1, No. 1. Quarterly. (Reidel: Dordrecht, April 1970.) $35 per vol. (4 issues).

The Magnetic Universe

Cosmic Electrodynamics By J. H. Piddington. (Interscience Monographs and Texts in Physics and Astronomy, Vol. 23.) Pp. x + 305. (Wiley (Interscience): New York and London, March 1970.) 175s.

Cosmic Electrodynamics. An International Journal Devoted to Geophysical and Astrophysical Plasmas. Editor: C. P. SONETT (NASA, Moffett Field, Calif.). D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht‐Holland. Subscription price yearly (one volume of 4 issues) Dfl. 125. ‐

Astronomische NachrichtenVolume 292, Issue 5 p. 284-285 BuchbesprechungFree Access Cosmic Electrodynamics. An International Journal Devoted to Geophysical and Astrophysical Plasmas. Editor: C. P. SONETT (NASA, Moffett Field, Calif.). D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht-Holland. Subscription price yearly (one volume of 4 issues) Dfl. 125. - G. Wallis, G. Wallis BerlinSearch for more papers by this author G. Wallis, G. Wallis BerlinSearch for more papers by this author First published: 1970 https://doi.org/10.1002/asna.19702920523AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume292, Issue51970Pages 284-285 RelatedInformation