The spontaneous formation of current-sheets in astrophysical magnetic fields.
Abstract
This article is an introduction to Parker's idea that electric current sheets form spontaneously in astrophysical magnetic fields under the condition of high electrical conductivity. Upon formation, the current sheets will collapse to such small widths as to result in resistive reconnection of magnetic fields and heating, despite the very large but finite electrical conductivity. This mechanism is an attractive explanation of the ubiquitous association between magnetic fields and heated plasmas in many astrophysical situations. The hydromagnetic process of this mechanism is illustrated, using a well-studied two-dimensional Cartesian model involving a quadrupolar magnetic field with or without a magnetic null point.
- Publication:
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Solar and Astrophysical Magnetohydrodynamic Flows
- Pub Date:
- 1996
- Bibcode:
- 1996ASIC..481..109L
- Keywords:
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- Current Sheets: Magnetic Fields