On the Electric Field Theory of Magnetic Storms and Aurorae

Abstract

The electric field theory is discussed and further developed. The basic assumption of the theory is that the sun emits beams of rarified ionized gas which are electrically polarized. The electric field of the beam produces a discharge of Malmfors-Block's type around the earth. At the same time the electric field produces a variation in the Cosmic Ray intensity.

The theoretical treatment starts by an analysis of the motion of charged particles in the equatorial plane of the earth under the action of the electric field. This phenomenon is supposed to be of basic importance. The motion produces space charge in certain regions. This charge is supposed to leave the equatorial plane along the magnetic lines of force. These two basic assumptions, which are supported by the model experiments, lead to a theory which gives a fairly good picture of magnetic storms and aurorae.

In the earlier presentation of the theory the inertia of the beam was neglected. The theory gave a description of the main phase of a storm. The motion in the equatorial plane produces a clockwise ring current at about 7 earth-radii from which a discharge to the auroral zones takes place.

In the present paper also the inertia of the beam is taken into account. The result is that a second ring current is produced, which flows anti-clockwise at about 30 earth-radii. This current which seems to account for the initial phase of a storm, should be associated with an “inner auroral zone” with a polar distance of 5°—10°. The importance of observing aurorae and magnetic disturbances in this region is stressed.