On the importance of auroral processes in the Universe

Acceleration of charged particles in magnetic field-aligned electric potential differences at Earth and at the outer planets in the solar system is summarized and its general importance in the Universe is briefly discussed.The role of field-aligned currents, driven by parallel electric fields, in causing filamentary structure in stellar atmospheres is briefly reviewed.The differences between auroral optical emissions at various planets are summarized.The important role of field-aligned potential differences in the generation of AKR and corresponding emissions from other objects is discussed.Finally, aurora-associated processes for ejection of planetary plasma into space are briefly reviewed.