This unusual book considers physical principles, starting from the most general ones, and simplifies assumptions, helping students answer two key questions: what approximation is the simplest, but still sufficient for the description of a phenomenon in cosmic plasmas, and how to build an adequate model.

The plan to hold a conference on cosmic plasma physics originated in the Plasma Physics Division of the European Physical Society, whose chairman, B. Lehnert, took the first steps towards its realization. - ESRIN readily adopted this idea, and preliminary contacts with a number of other groups showed that there was a good deal of interest in bringing to gether people working in different areas of the field of cosmic plasma physics. It was clearly felt that an exchange of views and experience, and an attempt to define problem areas, would be profitable. In this spirit a programme was de vised which covered a large variety of topics, ranging from ionospheric to galactic structures. A diversified programme of this kind runs the risk that the communication between the various fields of specialization remains insufficient. It was gratifying to find that within the wide field of cosmic plasma physics a lively dialogue was in fact possible. The Conference was sponsored by the European Physical Society. Financial support was provided by ESRO. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the excellent suggestions of the programme committee members L. Biermann, N. D'Angelo, R. Gendrin, and B. Lehnert. I should like to thank my colleagues B. Bertotti, K. Lackner, and J.F. McKenzie, and numerous other ESRIN staff members, for their valuable help. I feel particularly indebted to the conference secretary, Miss Sachs, who did the real work while I just signed the letters.

The general background of this monograph and the aim of it is described in detail in Chapter I. As stated in 1.7 it is written according to the principle that "when rigour appears to conflict with simplicity, simplicity is given preference", which means that it is intended for a rather broad public. Not only graduate students but also advanced undergraduates should be able to understand at least most of it. This monograph is the result of many years of inspiring discussions with a number of colleagues, for which I want to thank them very much. Especially I should mention the groups in Stockholm and La Jolla: in Stockholm, Dr Carl-Gunne Flilthammar and many of his collaborators, including Drs Lars Block, Per Carlqvist, Lennart lindberg, Michael Raadu, Staffan Torven, Miroslav Babic, and Itlgvar Axniis, and further, Drs Bo Lehnert and Bjorn Bonnevier, all at the Royal Institute of Technology. Of other col leagues in Sweden, I should mention Dr Bertel Laurent, Stockholm University, Dr Aina Elvius, The Stockholm Observatory, and Dr Bengt Hultqvist, Kiruna. In La Jolla my thanks go first of all to Dr Gustaf Arrhenius, who once invited me to La Jolla, which was the start of a most interesting collaboration; further, to Dr W.B.

Solar and space physics is the study of solar system phenomena that occur in the plasma state. Examples include sunspots, the solar wind, planetary magnetospheres, radiation belts, and the aurora. While each is a distinct phenomenon, there are commonalities among them. To help define and systematize these universal aspects of the field of space physics, the National Research Council was asked by NASA's Office of Space Science to provide a scientific assessment and strategy for the study of magnetized plasmas in the solar system. This report presents that assessment. It covers a number of important research goals for solar and space physics. The report is complementary to the NRC report, The Sun to the Earthâ€"and Beyond: A Decadal Research Strategy for Solar and Space Physics, which presents priorities and strategies for future program activities.

This book explores the ponderomotive wave forces of space plasma, which have implications for a large number of cosmic plasma phenomena. Plasma is a state of matter comprising an equal amount of negative (electrons) and positive (ions) charged particles. The ionized state is the dominating state of matter in the cosmos for stars, galaxies and their corresponding intermediate regions. This book discusses the plasma state and its corresponding theoretical implications based on the analysis of space plasma data. The theory of ponderomotive forcing offers a most important tool for the analysis of “in situ” plasma data of acceleration processes in the terrestrial and Martian plasma environment. In addition, the solar wind interaction with objects in the solar system also provides a roadmap for the analysis and interpretations of other stellar and galactic objects, out of reach for direct “in-situ” measurements.

This well-illustrated monograph is devoted to classic fundamentals, current practice, and perspectives of modern plasma astrophysics. The level of the book is designed mainly for professional researchers in astrophysics. The book will also be interesting and useful to graduate students in space sciences, geophysics, as well as to advanced students in applied physics and mathematics seeking a unified view of plasma physics and fluid mechanics.

Lectures on Non-linear Plasma Kinetics is an introduction to modern non-linear plasma physics showing how many of the techniques of modern non-linear physics find applications in plasma physics and how, in turn, the results of this research find applications in astrophysics. Emphasis is given to explaining the physics of nonlinear processes and the radical change of cross-sections by collective effects. The author discusses new nonlinear phenomena involving the excitation of coherent nonlinear structures and the dynamics of their random motions in relation to new self-organization processes. He also gives a detailed description of applications of the general theory to various research fields, including the interaction of powerful radiation with matter, controlled thermonuclear research, etc.

This book gives an account of the proceedings of the International Astronomical Union Colloquium 115: High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy of Cosmic Plasmas. This was the first IAU meeting dedicated to high resolution X-ray spectroscopy of objects outside the solar system. A broad range of objects and astrophysical conditions are discussed. Results from the first generation of satellites with spectroscopic capability, i.e. the Einstein Observatory, EXOSAT, and Tenma, are reviewed from a perspective of a more precise interpretation allowed by improved theoretical models and plasma diagnostics. Laboratory and solar X-ray results that model or are relevant to conditions found in cosmic X-ray sources are also presented. The colloquium presents a forum for discussion of scientific objectives of new international missions in high resolution X-ray spectroscopy.

"[Tyson] tackles a great range of subjects…with great humor, humility, and—most important—humanity." —Entertainment Weekly Loyal readers of the monthly "Universe" essays in Natural History magazine have long recognized Neil deGrasse Tyson's talent for guiding them through the mysteries of the cosmos with clarity and enthusiasm. Bringing together more than forty of Tyson's favorite essays, Death by Black Hole explores a myriad of cosmic topics, from what it would be like to be inside a black hole to the movie industry's feeble efforts to get its night skies right. One of America's best-known astrophysicists, Tyson is a natural teacher who simplifies the complexities of astrophysics while sharing his infectious fascination for our universe.