Course Information

Over 90% of the visible matter in the Universe is a plasma, that is a dilute gas of ions, electons, and neutral particles. Thus, understanding the structure and evolution of the vast majority of astrophysical systems requires some basic plasma physics. Recent advances in theory, computational methods, and experimental facilities have led to new insights into a variety of plasma processes important in astrophysical systems. This seminar course is intended to provide an overview of these developments, and introduce the emerging discipline of ``Laboratory Plasma Astrophysics". By necessity, the course will focus on only a few, and arguably the most important, processes including

• magnetic field amplfication by dynamos
  
• magnetic reconnection
  
• magnetorotational and other plasma instabilities
  
• MHD turbulence
  
• kinetic MHD
  

Schedule of Presentations

Sep 21. Introduction.

Sep 28. Dynamos I.

Oct 5. Dynamos II.

Oct 12. Reconnection I.

Oct 19. Reconnection II.

Oct 26. MRI I.

Nov 2. Fall Break

Nov 9. MRI II.

Nov 16. Tour of PPPL.

Nov 23. MHD Turbulence I.

Nov 30. MHD Turbulence II.

Dec 7. Kinetic MHD I.

Dec 14. Kinetic MHD II.