Since the middle of the 20th century, scientists have thought that the plasmasphere contains plasma ducts following Earth’s magnetic field lines. S.T. Loi recently confirmed the presence of these plasma density ducts in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
About Paul A. Heckert, Ph.D.
Paul A. Heckert, Ph.D. is a professor of physics and astronomy at Western Carolina University with over 30 years experience teaching college level physics and astronomy. He has a Ph.D. in physics specializing in observational astronomy. His astronomical research has led to over 60 published articles in journals such as Astronomical Journal, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Astrophysical Journal, and The Information Bulletin on Variable Stars.
Dr. Heckert's current research concentrates on variable stars, but he has also done work on star formation and quasars.