Magnetic field amplification in turbulent astrophysical plasmas

Understand

Magnetic fields play an important role in astrophysical accretion discs, and in the interstellar and intergalactic medium.

• They drive jets, suppress fragmentation in star-forming clouds and can have a significant impact on the accretion rate of stars.
• However, the exact amplification mechanisms of cosmic magnetic fields remain relatively poorly understood.
• Here I start by reviewing recent advances in the numerical and theoretical modelling of the 'turbulent dynamo', which may explain the origin of galactic and inter-galactic magnetic fields.