Abstract: This article briefly describes a paradigm shift in high-latitude space physics—a scientific revolution. This paradigm shift is a theoretical framework change from the electrical engineering (EE) theory to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory. Currently, this paradigm shift has proceeded relatively slowly, it is expected to fundamentally change our understanding of the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling within in the next 30–50 years.

Key words:

magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling, magnetohydrodynamic theory, electrical engineering theory, magnetosubstorms, field-aligned currents, polar space physics