Abstract |
The condensation of matter shortly after the Big Bang and the inexorable effects of
gravity have determined the Universe we see today and far back in time. Less well
known are the accompanying magnetic fields which, because of the rarity or complete
absence of magnetic monopoles, pervade the visible matter. Stars, galaxies, planets,
black holes are threaded by magnetic fields, primordial or regenerated, often
exhibiting spectacular behavior, or, in the case of humanity, of increasing interest
in our technologically-dependent society. This talk will introduce the physics
behind electrodynamic coupling, using the Sun as our nearest, brightest and best
"laboratory" for understanding how gravitationally bound astronomical objects are
accompanied by a broad range of phenomena such as dynamos, flares, jets, plasma
heating and bursts of high energy radiation. The opportunities for new research in
this area continue to grow, with the advent of radically new facilities in
spacecraft orbiting close to the Sun and the new Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope
operational now in Hawaii.
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