Abstract

It is demonstrated that plasma-universe theory boasts a respectable pedigree in the history of science. Ideas concerning a fourth or fundamental state of matter or a pivotal role for electromagnetic forces in the physics of the polar aurora, the sun, the zodiacal light, comets and indeed the entire universe circulated long before the possibility of in situ measurements in space arose. An attempt is made to explain why such notions became anathema to the mainstream of astrophysics long before the Space Age provided means to test their accuracy.