The evolution of arguments regarding the existence of field-aligned currents

摘要: The present understanding of Birkeland (magnetically-field-aligned) currents was not obtained by a direct, logical course. story is rather more complex. Starting at the end 19th century, Norwegian scientist Kristian laid out compelling case, supported both theory and experiment, for existence field-aligned that cause aurora polar geomagnetic disturbances. Sydney Chapman, British geophysicist, became acknowledged leader opinion maker in field decades following Birkeland's death. Chapman proposed, contradistinction to ideas, equivalent were restricted flow ionosphere with no vertical or components. ideas may have faded completely if it had been Hannes Alfven, who involved well after Chapman's gained predominance. Alfven kept insisting current system made sense because required drive most ionospheric currents. author personally when Zmuda et al. (1966) submitted Journal Geophysical Research paper reporting satellite data showing magnetic disturbances above consistent currents, but which they did interpret as being due such