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The Interplanetary Plasma and the Heliosphere (Plasma Interplanetaire et L’heliosphere)

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Abstract

The heliosphere is a unique laboratory for in situ studies of fundamental astrophysical plasma processes on a vast range of scales. Commission 49 of the International Astronomical Union is devoted to the study of the heliosphere and the plasma processes therein. Traditionally Commission 49 has worked with other IAU Commissions on solar-heliosphere relations, solar wind-planet/comet interactions, and the solar wind-interstellar medium interaction. During the last few years, we have aimed to improve communications between the members of Commission 49 and the plasma physicists in other areas of astrophysics. To that end, this Report focuses on the plasma processes in the heliosphere. The report consists of two reviews: “MHD Flows in the Heliosphere” by S. Suess, which emphasizes the large-scale processes; and “Plasma Processes in the Heliosphere” by F. Verheest, which emphasizes the small-scale processes. These reviews and the accompanying bibliographies should be valuable to plasma physicists in many different fields as a source of ideas and as a guide to the recent heliospheric plasma physics literature. Copies of the Report can be obtained by writing to me at NASA/GSFC; Code 692; Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA.

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Derek McNally (General Secretary of the Union)

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McNally, D. (1991). The Interplanetary Plasma and the Heliosphere (Plasma Interplanetaire et L’heliosphere). In: McNally, D. (eds) Reports on Astronomy. International Council of Scientific Unions / International Astronomical Union / Union Astronomique Internationale, vol 21A. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3364-7_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-3364-7_35

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