Birkeland Currents Collision: Effects & Consequences

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the hypothetical scenario of two Birkeland currents colliding, with a particular focus on the implications of such an event, including references to Venus' Birkeland current and its interaction with Earth's currents. The conversation explores theoretical and conceptual aspects of Birkeland currents and their relationship to planetary magnetic fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the effects of a collision between two Birkeland currents.
  • One participant mentions that Venus' Birkeland current may reach Earth, suggesting a connection between the two planets.
  • Another participant challenges this idea, stating that Birkeland currents are associated with a planet's magnetic field and noting that Venus lacks a significant magnetic field.
  • A later reply refines the question to consider the collision of Venus' ionospheric tail with Earth's Birkeland current, questioning the implications of such an interaction.
  • Participants discuss the nature of Venus' tail, describing it as an expansion of the ionosphere and suggesting it would not differ significantly from Earth's ionosphere.
  • One participant expresses a curiosity about using natural systems, like Birkeland currents, for satellite launches, indicating a broader interest in practical applications.
  • Humor is introduced in the discussion, with a participant comparing the collision of the tails to two puffs of air, implying minimal impact.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature and implications of Birkeland currents, particularly regarding Venus' magnetic field and the potential interactions with Earth's currents. The discussion remains unresolved with competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the nature of Birkeland currents and their interactions, particularly concerning the magnetic fields of Venus and Earth. The discussion also reflects uncertainty about the extent and characteristics of Venus' ionospheric tail.

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What would happen if two birkeland currents collided?
 
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ham61ham61 said:
What would happen if two birkeland currents collided?
What research have you done on this? What have you found out so far?
 
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Well essentially I’ve read that Venus’ birkeland current may reach earth. I know that the electrical currents are carried in plasma.
 
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ham61ham61 said:
I’ve read that Venus’ birkeland current may reach earth.
This would not make any sense since Birkeland currents are part of a planet's magnetic field, and Venus has no significant magnetic field. Where did you read this?
 
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PeterDonis said:
This would not make any sense since Birkeland currents are part of a planet's magnetic field, and Venus has no significant magnetic field. Where did you read this?
I was reading about the tail of Venus and mistakenly assumed that that was a Birkeland current. I guess a more correct question would be ‘What would happen if the tail of Venus collided with Earth’s Birkeland current?’
 
ham61ham61 said:
I was reading
Where? Please give a specific reference.

ham61ham61 said:
What would happen if the tail of Venus collided with Earth’s Birkeland current?
The tail of Venus is just an expansion of Venus's ionosphere into space. Even if it were long enough to reach Earth (which is not currently known but seems to be unlikely), it would be no different than Earth's own ionosphere.
 
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PeterDonis said:
Where? Please give a specific reference.The tail of Venus is just an expansion of Venus's ionosphere into space. Even if it were long enough to reach Earth (which is not currently known but seems to be unlikely), it would be no different than Earth's own ionosphere.
Oh, ok, thankyou for clarifying. Regarding the Birkeland current, I was reading Wikipedia, while wondering if natural systems could be used to launch satellites. Hence my question around Birkeland currents.
 
ham61ham61 said:
I was reading Wikipedia, while wondering if natural systems could be used to launch satellites. Hence my question around Birkeland currents.
It's a really good idea on this forum to ask the question you REALLY want to ask, not beat around the bush with extraneous stuff.
 
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phinds said:
It's a really good idea on this forum to ask the question you REALLY want to ask, not beat around the bush with extraneous stuff.
That was the question I wanted to ask. Thanks for the heads up though.
 
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ham61ham61 said:
‘What would happen if the tail of Venus collided with Earth’s Birkeland current?’
About the same thing that would happen to two puffs of air that collide. Not much except when some PHD student needs an emergency topic to write about. :wink:
 
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