Discusses the nature of and research related to a theory explaining the earth's electric budget. The theory suggests a global electric circuit completed by a positive current flowing up into thunderstorm clouds, from clouds to ionosphere, distributed around the globe, and down to earth through the lower atmosphere in fair-weather regions. (JN)

Presents a description of the National Center for Atmospheric Research, a center where scientists pursue research interests, where research facilities, too large and expensive for any one institution to maintain, are housed, and where unified planning for research is made in response to national and international concerns. (SA)