Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in astrophysical plasmas

Understand

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in a laboratory, magnetospheric, solar and astrophysical plasma, whereby magnetic energy is converted into heat, bulk kinetic energy and fast particle energy.

• Its nature in two dimensions is much better understood than in three dimensions (3D), where its character is completely different and has many diverse aspects that are currently being explored.
• Here we focus on the magnetohydrodynamics of 3D reconnection in the plasma environment of the solar system, especially solar flares.
• The theory of reconnection at null points, separators and quasi-separators is described, together with accounts of numerical simulations and observations of these three types of reconnection.