The Marxist author of this story just HATES Reagan and America, as all liberals do.
Another Person to check out is Kristian Birkeland.
Just finished a book on him The Northern Lights Lucy Jago 2001 ISBN 0-375-40980-7
Besides figuring out what the Northern lights were back in 1899 He also invented an Electromagnetic Cannon But like all true inventors he also had the Dark side