Electrostatic Model of the Earth's Magnetic Field: An Alternative Hypothesis Based on a Net Planetary Charge

Abstract

This article presents an alternative hypothesis regarding the origin and variability of Earth's magnetic field. Unlike the conventional model, which attributes the field to electric currents in the liquid outer core, the proposed model considers the existence of a net electrostatic charge distributed over the Earth's crust, whose rotation would produce a dipolar magnetic field. This framework also provides a possible explanation for magnetic field reversals and the misalignment between the magnetic and geographic poles. The feasibility of such a planetary charge is supported by the properties of the solar corona, which could create favorable conditions for the Earth to acquire and maintain a current net negative charge. Order-of-magnitude calculations show that the proposed mechanism is compatible with current physical observations and constraints. In line with this model, recent measurements confirm the existence of a powerful planetary electrostatic field.