Some Theoretical Problems of Cosmic Magnetic Fields

Abstract

In Chapters 4–10 we have described in order the magnetic fields of the Sun, the Moon, planets, stars, the Milky Way, interstellar space and ex-tragalactic nebulae. The reader may have been deeply impressed by the ubiquitous permeation of the magnetic field into every corner of the cosmos and by its important role in various astrophysical phenomena, such as solar flares, prominences, sunspots, the solar wind, cosmic rays and the polarization of starlight. Abundant and colorful observational data naturally lead to deepgoing theoretical research. However, our rational knowledge is in general backward in comparison with our perceptional one. Until the present, reliable and mature theoretical recognition has been achieved only for some individual topics, and several of them will be introduced in this paper.

The Sun’s 22-year cycle is the best known example of a rapidly changing cosmic magnetic field. Its explanation provides the clue for a proper understanding of the origin of cosmic magnetism. Ya. B. Zeldovich, A. A. Ruzmaikin and D. D. Sokoloff, Magnetic Fields in Astrophysics (1983).

Magnetic fields are produced by fluid motions. E. N. Parker, Cosmical Magnetic Fields (1979).