Electric Universe theory

From Electric Universe

Comet Hale-Bopp featuring its ion tale, that results from the interaction of the comet with the electrified interplanetary plasma

The Electric Universe theory argues that electricity plays a more important role in the Universe, than is generally accepted (see also "Electricity throughout the Universe").

As a theory, it offers explanations of various natural and astrophysical phenomena, some of which it claims are better understood without the need for various ad hoc explanations. As with any theory, the Electric Universe makes predictions that have been tested, and is published in both peer-reviewed papers, and popular books.

The Electric Universe theory is interdisciplinary, integrating and supporting subject as diverse as the science (astronomy, geology, physics), with the soft sciences such as ancient history and comparative mythology.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the Electric Universe has also become the target of pseudo-skeptics, whose criticisms have consisted of ad hominems, misunderstanding, misrepresentation, and labeling as pseudoscience.

Key points

The plumes of Enceladus are an electrical phenomenon [1]

• Electricity plays a more significant role in the Universe than is generally accepted
• The Sun and stars are electrically powered by drift currents (see Electric Sun theory)
• Planetary surface features such as some craters, dendritic structures and rilles are caused by super-lightning (see electrical scarring)
• Certain cosmic phenomena are electrical in nature, including:
  • Comet tails (See comets)
  • The plumes of Enceladus
  • Martian dust devils
  • Galaxy formation and dynamics (circumventing the need for black holes and dark matter)

Alternative Electric Universe theories

Others have described, or had described, their theories as the "Electric Universe", and while they may share some features in common, may ne wholly different too.

• In 1903, George Woodward Warder's book, The universe a vast electric organism, included Chapter XV "The Electric Universe is Self-Sustaining and Eternal".^[1]
• In 1959, Herman Bondi and R.A. Lyttleton proposed of "The possibility of a general excess of charge in the universe"^[2] which Bondi referred to as the Electric Universe.^[3]
• In 1978, P. C. W. Davies in an article in Nature,^[4] described a paper on "The electrically polarized universe" by John Bally and E. R. Harrison in Astrophysics Journal.^[5] Davies notes: ""In spite of its Velikovskian flavour, the Bally-Harrison electric universe unfortunately does not lead to any obviously important astrophysical consequences".
• In 1998, Dr. László Körtvélyessy's book, The Electric Universe ^[6] also highlighted the importance of electricity in astronomy, but he does not subscribe to an electric-powered Sun, nor electrical scarring.

References

1. ↑ George Woodward Warder, The universe a vast electric organism (1903) Chapter XV "The Electric Universe is Self-Sustaining and Eternal"
2. ↑ R. A. Lyttleton, H. Bondi, "On the Physical Consequences of a General Excess of Charge" in Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Vol. 252, No. 1270 (Sep. 29, 1959), pp. 313-333
3. ↑ Bondi, H., "The Electric Universe" in Space Astrophysics, Edited by William Liller. New York, McGraw-Hill, 1961., p.179
4. ↑ P. C. W. Davies, "Electric Universe", Nature 273, 268 - 269 (1978)
5. ↑ Bally, J.; Harrison, E. R., "The electrically polarized universe", Astrophysical Journal, Part 1, vol. 220, Mar. 15, 1978, p. 743, 744.
6. ↑ Dr. László Körtvélyessy, The Electric Universe, 1998, ISBN 963 8243 19 8

Articles and papers

Peer reviewed

• Thornhill, W., "The Z-Pinch Morphology of Supernova 1987A and Electric Stars", IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Aug. 2007, Volume: 35, Issue: 4, Part 1, Page(s): 832-844

• Ransom, C.J.; Thornhill, W., "Plasma-Generated Craters and Spherules", IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Volume 35, Issue 4, Aug. 2007 Page(s):828 - 831

Academic conference reports

• C. J. Ransom, M. Acheson, "The Plasma plus Gravity Universe May Not Need Dark Matter", 2007 IEEE Pulsed Power and Plasma Science Conference, 34th Annual ICOPS, June 17th, 2007, Albuquerque, NM, 5P42

• Thornhill, W.W., "The Electrical Nature of Comets", IEEE 34th International Conference on Plasma Science, 2007. ICOPS 2007., Publication Date: 17-22 June 2007, On page(s): 1000-1000

• Ransom, C. J., & Wallace Thornhill, "Laboratory Reproduction of Possible Solar System Plasma Effects," Conference Record, 33rd IEEE International Conference on Plasma Science, p 370, 2006.

• Ransom, C. J. & Wal Thornhill, "Plasma Generated Spherules", Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Vol. 50, #2, April 2005, p. 78.

Scholarly

• C.E.R. Bruce, "An All-Electric Universe". Elect. Rev., 162, pp. 1070-1075, 23 Dec. 1960.
• C.E.R. Bruce, "An All-Electric Universe". Elect.Rev., 168, p. 20, 6 Jan. 1961.
• C.E.R. Bruce, "An All-Electric Universe", Elect.Rev., 169, p. 104, 20 Jan. 1961.
• C.E.R. Bruce, "An All-Electric Universe". Elect.Rev., 169, p. 332, 24 Feb. 1961

• Thornhill, W., "The Electric Universe", SIS C&C Review v2000 No.1
• Thornhill, W., "The Electric Universe", SIS C&C Review v2002 No.2
• Thornhill, W., "Stars in an Electric Universe", Aeon vol.5 No.5 (Jan 2000)