Long-standing, Unsolved Problems in Solar and Magnetospheric Physics

Syun-Ichi Akasofu
Director International Arctic Research Center
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska

In both solar physics and magnetospheric physics, we have several long-standing
problems, which are not understood even at the basic level.  Undoubtedly, they
are difficult problems.  However, in some cases, the difficulties are likely due
to inappropriate common premises shared by all involved, namely the present 
paradigms, not our ability to solve the problems.  The talk will examine some 
of them from the point of view that: Both solar and magnetospheric transient
phenomena arise primarily from various manifestations of electromagnetic energy
dissipation processes.  Thus, there must be a dynamo process that supplies 
the power for the processes involved and drives field-aligned currents.