Birkeland Currents

Birkeland currents are electric currents that travel along magnetic field lines in space plasmas. These currents are formed when charged particles (ions and electrons) flow through a magnetic field, creating filamentary structures that can span vast cosmic distances. They play a crucial role in the behavior of space plasmas, from Earth’s auroras to the formation of galaxies and cosmic filaments.

Named after Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland (1867–1917), these currents have become a cornerstone concept in plasma physics, space science, and alternative cosmology models such as the Electric Universe and Plasma Cosmology.