1. 18-Year-Old Kristian Birkeland Sets Stage for Scientific Success

At the tender age of 18, Kristian Birkeland had already made a mark in the scientific world, having written his first scientific paper. His paper, which was published in 1881, was a groundbreaking work that would set the stage for his future successes in the field of science. Birkeland's paper was a major contribution to the understanding of the Earth's magnetism, and it was the first of many scientific papers he would write throughout his career.

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2. Accidental Overdose of Veronal

The mysterious death of Kristian Birkeland, a Norwegian scientist and inventor, may have been caused by an accidental overdose of Veronal, a barbiturate drug. It is unknown whether this was intentional or an unfortunate accident, but the tragedy of his passing has left many unanswered questions. Birkeland was a pioneer in the field of geomagnetism and his research was instrumental in the development of modern technology. His untimely death has left a lasting legacy in the scientific community.

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3. Kristian Birkeland's revolutionary theory about the aurora

At the turn of the 20th century, Kristian Birkeland proposed a revolutionary theory about the aurora - that it was caused by electrons from the sun. Initially, his theory was met with skepticism from the scientific community, but over time, it has been accepted as a mainstream explanation for the phenomenon. Today, Birkeland's theory is widely accepted and is the basis for much of our current understanding of the aurora.

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4. Kristian Birkeland's dedication to his work led to his failed marriage

Kristian Birkeland was a man who valued work above all else, and this was reflected in his marriage. Despite being married from 1905 to 1911, his dedication to his work meant that his marriage was unable to survive. He was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the fields of geomagnetism and aurora borealis, and his work was so important to him that it ultimately took precedence over his marriage.

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5. " Inventor of the Aerial Torpedo"

Kristian Birkeland, a Norwegian scientist, was a pioneer in the field of electric propulsion and magnetism. He was also an inventor, and attempted to create a cannon or aerial torpedo. Unfortunately, his attempt was unsuccessful, but his research and experiments laid the groundwork for future advancements in the field of electric propulsion.

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6. Pioneer in Space Exploration

In 1913, Kristian Birkeland was a pioneer in the field of space exploration, becoming one of the first people to predict that plasma was present everywhere in the universe. His groundbreaking research showed that plasma, a state of matter composed of charged particles, was a fundamental component of the cosmos, and his work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of space and its contents. Birkeland's research was a major step forward in the exploration of the universe, and his discoveries continue to shape our understanding of the universe today.

Also → Carl Sagan: Astrophysicist & Space Pioneer

7. Scientist Who Believed in the Paranormal

In 1922, Kristian Birkeland joined the Norwegian Society for Psychic Research, a society dedicated to exploring the paranormal and supernatural phenomena. As a scientist, Birkeland was intrigued by the potential of psychic research and wanted to explore the possibilities of the unknown. He was particularly interested in the potential of psychic phenomena to provide insight into the workings of the universe. His involvement with the society provided him with the opportunity to further his research and to gain a better understanding of the paranormal.

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8. Pioneering Solar Wind Scientist

Kristian Birkeland is widely regarded as a pioneering scientist, and is believed to be the first person to suggest that the Solar Wind is composed of both positive and negative ions. His groundbreaking research into the Earth's magnetosphere and the Aurora Borealis, which he believed to be caused by the Solar Wind, was instrumental in furthering our understanding of the Sun's influence on our planet. His theories, which were initially met with skepticism, have since been proven to be correct, and his work has been credited with revolutionizing our understanding of the Solar System.

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9. Nobel Nominee 7X

Kristian Birkeland was a Norwegian scientist who was nominated for the Nobel Prize an impressive seven times throughout his career. His pioneering work in the fields of geophysics, astronomy, and technology earned him international recognition and respect, and his contributions to the scientific community are still remembered today. His dedication to his research and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge are a testament to his legacy.

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10. The Aurora Borealis Proven!

In 1967, Kristian Birkeland's theories, now known as the Birkeland currents, were finally proven to be correct after decades of speculation. His theories, which proposed that electric currents in space were responsible for the aurora borealis, were initially met with skepticism, but eventually became accepted as a fundamental part of space science. The Birkeland currents are now used to explain a variety of phenomena in the Earth's magnetosphere, including the formation of the Van Allen radiation belts.

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