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A negatively charged ion, which has more electrons than it has protons, is known as an anion (ἀνά ana: Greek 'up') (pronounced /ˈænaɪən/; an-eye-on). Conversely, a positively-charged ion, which has fewer electrons than protons, is known as a cation (κατά kata: Greek 'down') (pronounced /ˈkætaɪən/; cat-eye-on).
A neutral atom contains an equal number of Z protons in the nucleus and Z electrons in the electron shell. The electrons' negative charges thus exactly cancel the protons' positive charges. In the simple view of the Free electron model, a passing electron is therefore not attracted to a neutral atom and cannot bind to it. In reality, however, the atomic electrons form a cloud into which the additional electron penetrates, thus being exposed to a net positive charge part of the time. Furthermore, the additional charge displaces the original electrons and all of the Z + 1 electrons rearrange into a new configuration
A collection of non-aqueous gas-like ions, or even a gas containing a proportion of charged particles, is called a plasma, often called the fourth state of matter because its properties are quite different from solids, liquids, and gases. Astrophysical plasmas containing predominantly a mixture of electrons and protons, may make up as much as 1% of visible matter in the univers
Originally posted by mystiq
It could be because of our weakening magnosphere, and the weakening heliosphere around the sun/solar system, as we are moving into this spot in our orbit around the galactic center. I remember reading online paper about a Russian Scientist who thought we were entering an area of increased energy, perhaps a new star formation. I'm not well enough right now to look for that, if its still there even. I have to keep a heating pad on my ear, and am not feeling good.
But because of what you said, I thought about this. Also I remember the thread about the mosqitos surviving conditions in space, though in a container, and someone wrote about another critter that seemed to survive out of the container, so this very well could be living plasmic life entities. I wonder if they are advanced psi intellects as well. Interesting speculation.