Magnetic Reconnection: Phantom Theory

In any scientific field, there is always a possibility, in which a particular theory dominates for many years. In this paper, the theory of magnetic reconnection in solar physics and auroral physics is reviewed as an example. It has prevailed for more than a half century in both fields as the “only one” without a concrete progress in understanding the source of energy for solar flares and auroral activities. This unusual situation is analyzed why and how it occurred. Since such a situation could occur in any scientific field, it may be useful to analyze how this situation happened. Actually, it is pointed out that a study of global warming may also be in a similar situation.