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Double layers and circuits in astrophysicsA 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.
Document ID
19870044039
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Alfven, Hannes
(California, University La Jolla , United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Volume: PS-14
ISSN: 0093-3813
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
87A31313
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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