How Aurora Generate Electrical Currents on the Earth Part IV

In the 1970s scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute during aurora activity measured ten amperes of direct electrical current generated by the aurora in local power lines. Almost all electrical power lines are built to carry only alternating current. Direct current generated in these lines by the aurora causes heating and other problems in the equipment that is used to distribute alternating electrical power. As aurora occurred Geophysical Institute scientists also measured over 2000 amperes of direct current flowing in the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This electrical current flows in and out of the pipeline where the pipeline touches the ground which causes increased corrosion or loss of metal from the pipeline at that point. Although the electrical current is large the voltage is only a few thousandths of a volt per kilometer, which is not enough to feel if you touch the pipe.

*What is a cow magnet? Cows, if they get a chance, will eat most anything including cardboard boxes that have metal staples. After chewing what they eat they swallow it into the first of their three stomachs. The muscles in this stomach work to mix acids from the stomach to digest food. The heart of a cow lies next to this first stomach. Many cows have died because a metal staple or other piece of metal in the first stomach pushed through the wall of the stomach into the heart. So the people who care about cows invented cow magnets. They get the cows to swallow them but I don't know how. Note that they have nice round ends and are very powerful magnets. Any ferrous (iron and steel are ferrous and aluminum and brass are not) metal the cow swallows into its first stomach will be attracted to and held by the magnet so the metal cannot injure the cow. Cow magnets are one of the most inexpensive powerful magnets you can buy for use in demonstrations.

Coming soon: How to build these demonstrators

If you would like to buy them already built the cost is $100 for both of them or for just $50 you can get one of your choice. For more information Contact neal.nbrown@gmail.com

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