Theory of magnetic reconnection in solar and astrophysical plasmas

Abstract

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in a plasma that facilitates the release of energy stored in the magnetic field by permitting a change in the magnetic topology. In this article we present a review of the current state of understanding of magnetic reconnection. We discuss theoretical results regarding the formation of current sheets in complex 3D magnetic fields, and describe the fundamental differences between reconnection in two and three dimensions. We go on to outline recent developments in modelling of reconnection with kinetic theory, as well as in the MHD framework where a number of new 3D reconnection regimes have been identified. We discuss evidence from observations and simulations of solar system plasmas that support this theory, and summarise some prominent locations in which this new reconnection theory is relevant in astrophysical plasmas.

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Cited by in corpus (23)

• A Contemporary View of Coronal Heating
• On the nature of reconnection at a solar coronal null point above a separatrix dome
• Three-dimensional oscillatory magnetic reconnection
• Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging of Three-dimensional Magnetic Reconnection in a Solar Eruption
• 3D magnetic reconnection and its application to solar flares
• Dark photon superradiance: Electrodynamics and multimessenger signals
• Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in astrophysical plasmas
• The effect of reconnection on the structure of the Sun's open-closed-flux boundary
• Magnetoacoustic Waves in a Stratified Atmosphere with a Magnetic Null Point
• On the periodicity of linear and nonlinear oscillatory reconnection
• I. Jet Formation and Evolution due to 3D Magnetic Reconnection
• Does Nearby Open Flux Affect the Eruptivity of Solar Active Regions?
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• 3D Alfven wave behaviour around proper and improper magnetic null points
• Magnetic reconnection and thermal equilibration
• Magnetic reconnection with null and X-points
• A comparison of methods for finding magnetic nulls in simulations and in situ observations of space plasmas
• Eruption of EUV Hot-Channel near Solar Limb and Associated Moving Type-IV Radio Burst
• The formation and dissipation of current sheets and shocks due to compressive waves in a stratified atmosphere containing a magnetic null
• An Observational Test of Solar Plasma Heating by Magnetic Flux Cancellation
• Onset of 2D magnetic reconnection in the solar photosphere, chromosphere and corona
• Study of magnetic field topology of active region 12192 using an extrapolated non-force-free magnetic field
• A magnetic confinement nuclear fusion mechanism for solar flares