Challenges associated with near-Earth nightside current

Abstract

Every magnetic field of solar and planetary space environments is associated with a current of differentially flowing charged particles. Electric potential patterns in geospace and near other planets are also closely linked with currents. Close to the Earth, particularly in the near-Earth nightside magnetosphere, several current systems wax and wane during periods of space weather activity. The velocity-dependent drift, energization, and loss processes in this region complicate current system evolution. There is a discrepancy about the magnitude, timing, and location of these currents, however, and this Commentary pitches the case for a concerted community effort to resolve this issue.