Solar-terrestrial physics research at Durban

The development of research on solar-terrestrial physics in the Dunbar Physics Department (University of Natal) over the past 50 yr is surveyed, and the current research programs are described. The influence of Sir Basil Schonland was of great importance in bringing geophysical problems to the attention of South African physicists. Studies on lightning in the period 1938-1959 and studies on whistlers in the period 1960-1982 are reviewed. The magnetospheric region is described briefly, and its role in the terrestrial environment is noted. A detailed account is given of the Antarctic Research Program centered at the Antarctic base at Sanae; and a running account is given of studies and results obtained by the Durban Group on whistlers, plasma temperatures, hydromagnetic wave propagation in the magnetosphere, the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights), the nature of atmospheric electricity, etc.