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arXiv · 0808.1118

Magnetic Fields In Astrophysical Objects

L. J. Silvers
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Abstract

Magnetic fields are known to reside in many astrophysical objects and are now believed to be crucially important for the creation of phenomena on a wide variety of scales. However, the role of the magnetic field in the bodies that we observe has not always been clear. In certain situations, the importance of a magnetic field has been over looked on the grounds that the large-scale magnetic field was believed to be too weak to play and important role in the dynamics. In this article I discuss some of the recent developments concerning magnetic fields in stars, planets and accretion discs. I choose to emphasise some of the situations where it has been suggested that weak magnetic fields may play a more significant role than previously thought. At the end of the article I list some of the questions to be answered in the future.

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L. J. Silvers. 2008-08-11. Magnetic Fields In Astrophysical Objects. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2008.0173

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