Double layers and circuits in astrophysics.
Abstract
A simple circuit is applied to the energizing of auroral particles, to solar flares, and to intergalactic double radio sources. Application to the heliospheric current systems leads to the prediction of two double layers on the Sun's axis which may give radiations detectable from earth. Double layers in space should be classified as a new type of celestial object. It is suggested that X-ray and gamma-ray bursts may be due to exploding double layers (although annihilation is an alternative energy source). The way the most used textbooks in astrophysics treat concepts like double layers, critical velocity, pinch effects and circuits was studied. It is found that students using these textbooks remain essentially ignorant of even the existence of these, although some of the phenomena were discovered 50 yr ago.
- Publication:
-
IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
- Pub Date:
- December 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1109/TPS.1986.4316626
- Bibcode:
- 1986ITPS...14..779A
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Circuits;
- Cosmic Plasma;
- Plasma Layers;
- Auroral Ionization;
- Education;
- Extragalactic Radio Sources;
- Gamma Ray Bursts;
- Solar Flares;
- Astrophysics;
- Plasma