Cosmic Plasma Physics: (251 Astrophysics and Space Science Library)

of the approximation at hand will be outlined from the viewpoint of physics rather than of many possible astronomical applications. After that, as an aid to detailed understanding, please return with pencil and paper to work out the missing steps (if any) in the formal mathematics. On the basis of such an approach the student interested in modern astro- physics, its current practice, will find the answers to two key questions: (1) what approximation is the best one (the simplest but sufficient) for descrip- tion of a phenomenon in cosmic plasma; (2) how tO, build an adequate model for the phenomenon, for example, a solar flare. Practice is really important for understanding the theory of cosmic plasma. Related exercises (problems and answers supplemented to each chapter) to improve skill do not thwart the theory but serve to better understanding of cosmic plasma physics. As for the applications, preference evidently is given to physical processes in the solar plasma. Why? - Much attention to solar plasma physics is con- the possibility of th all-round observational test of theoretical ditioned by models. This statement primarily relates to the processes in the solar atmo- sphere. For instance, flares on the Sun, in contrast to those on other stars as well as a lot of other analogous phenomena in the Universe, can be seen in their development, i. e.

Table of Contents:
1 Particles and Fields: Exact Self-Consistent Description.- 2 A Statistical Description of Cosmic Plasma.- 3 Propagation of Accelerated Particles in Cosmic Plasma.- 4 The Motion of a Particle in Given Fields.- 5 Wave-Particle Interactions in Cosmic Plasma.- 6 Coulomb Collisions of Particles in Cosmic Plasma.- 7 A Hydrodynamic Description of Cosmic Plasma.- 8 Magnetohydrodynamics of Cosmic Plasma.- 9 Cosmic Plasma Flows in a Strong Magnetic Field.- 10 MHD Waves in Cosmic Plasma.- 11 Discontinuous Flows in a MHD Medium.- 12 Evolutionarity of MHD Discontinuities.- 13 Particle Acceleration by Shock Waves.- 14 Cosmic Plasma Equilibrium in Magnetic Field.- 15 Stationary Flows in a Magnetic Field.- 16 Magnetic Reconnection in Current Sheets.- 17 Stationary Models of Reconnecting Current Sheets.- 18 Particle Acceleration in Current Sheets.- 19 Structural Instability of Reconnecting Current Sheets.- 20 The Tearing Instability of a Reconnecting Current Sheet.- 21 Selected Trends in Cosmic Plasma Physics.- 22 Magnetic Reconnection of Electric Currents.- Epilogue.- Appendix 1. Notation.- Appendix 2. Useful Expressions.- Appendix 3. Constants.