Due to the presence of electric and magnetic fields, some researchers believe that electric currents form the filaments, perhaps by the magnetic pinch effect.^1,2,3

 

Magnetic Pinches and Marklund Convection

Brant's Comments on Galactic Filaments

Magnetic Field Orientation in Galactic Filaments

Images for Magnetic Field Orientation in Filaments

Orientation of Field?

 

There are three main criticisms to the Magnetic Pinch model. First, net charge separations on such scales shouldn't be possible. Realistic charging mechanisms (e.g., high speeds in magnetic fields,⁴ or Debye sheaths), produce ionized particles, but the charge separations are local, and do not produce currents. Second, if a current did flow on such a scale, it would find less resistance in empty space than in dusty plasmas. Third, even if the current somehow preferred the resistance of the filament, and did consolidate some matter, it would do so selectively, on the basis of electric charge, where the greater the charge, the greater the magnetic pinch effect — yet the greater the charge, the more the Coulomb repulsion that will prevent condensation.

 

An alternative hypothesis is that electric currents are not causes of plasma collapse, but rather, they are effects. The cause is proposed to be the electric force in a "like-likes-like" configuration, where the net attraction in a series of filaments is greater than in a spherical dusty plasma of the same volume, due to the lack of opposing forces. The effect is that a spherical plasma might first resolve into filaments, and then the filaments might collapse. The movement of the quasi-neutral plasma then looks like an electric current, because opposite charges behave differently in motion.

 

The "Like-Likes-Like" Force

CC's Galactic Filaments Theory & Comments

Galactic Filaments Formation