Self-organization in magnetic flux ropes

• Published in: Plasma physics and controlled fusion Vol. 56; no. 6; pp. 60301 - 2
• Main Author: Lukin, Vyacheslav S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2014
• Subjects: Collection; Commonality; Controlled fusion; Geophysics; Laboratories; Magnetic flux; Plasma (physics); Universe
• DOI: 10.1088/0741-3335/56/6/060301
• ISSN: 0741-3335

This cross-disciplinary special issue on 'Self-organization in magnetic flux ropes' follows in the footsteps of another collection of manuscripts dedicated to the subject of magnetic flux ropes, a volume on 'Physics of magnetic flux ropes' published in the American Geophysical Union's Geophysical Monograph Series in 1990 [1]. Twenty-four years later, this special issue, composed of invited original contributions highlighting ongoing research on the physics of magnetic flux ropes in astrophysical, space and laboratory plasmas, can be considered an update on our state of understanding of this fundamental constituent of any magnetized plasma. Furthermore, by inviting contributions from research groups focused on the study of the origins and properties of magnetic flux ropes in a variety of different environments, we have attempted to underline both the diversity of and the commonalities among magnetic flux ropes throughout the solar system and, indeed, the universe.