Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Mar 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997apj...478..563z&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal v.478, p.563
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
44
Diffusion, Ism: Magnetic Fields, Magnetohydrodynamics: Mhd
Scientific paper
There is phenomenological evidence that magnetic reconnection operates in the interstellar medium, and magnetic reconnection is also necessary for the operation of a galactic dynamo. The extremely long ohmic diffusion times of magnetic fields in typical interstellar structures suggest that reconnection occurs in two stages, with thin current layers that have relatively short resistive decay times forming by magnetohydrodynamical processes first, followed by reconnection of the fields in the layers. We propose that ambipolar drift can lead to the formation of these thin sheets in weakly ionized interstellar gas and can delineate the parameter regime in which this occurs by means of a numerical model: we find that the magnetic field cannot be too large and the medium cannot be too diffusive. Both limits are imposed by the requirement that the field be wound up about 1 time by the eddy.
Brandenburg Axel
Zweibel Ellen G.
No associations
LandOfFree
Current Sheet Formation in the Interstellar Medium does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Current Sheet Formation in the Interstellar Medium, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Current Sheet Formation in the Interstellar Medium will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1859171