Birkeland Currents Collision: Effects & Consequences

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the hypothetical collision of Birkeland currents, specifically questioning the interaction between Earth's Birkeland current and the tail of Venus. Participants clarify that Birkeland currents are integral to a planet's magnetic field, and since Venus lacks a significant magnetic field, the premise of its Birkeland current reaching Earth is flawed. The tail of Venus is identified as an extension of its ionosphere, which would not significantly affect Earth's Birkeland current even if it were to reach our planet.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Birkeland currents and their role in planetary magnetic fields.
  • Knowledge of ionospheric phenomena and their characteristics.
  • Familiarity with the concept of plasma physics in space environments.
  • Basic comprehension of planetary magnetism and its implications for space weather.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and behavior of Birkeland currents in different planetary environments.
  • Explore the dynamics of ionospheres, particularly in relation to Venus and Earth.
  • Investigate the role of plasma in space physics and its interactions with magnetic fields.
  • Study the potential applications of natural systems in satellite launch technologies.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, space physicists, and researchers interested in planetary magnetism and the interactions of cosmic phenomena.

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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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