Physics · The Sun
Magnetohydrodynamics
Say it: mag-nee-toh-hy-droh-dy-NAM-iks IPA: /mæɡˌniːtoʊˌhaɪdroʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/ noun
Magnetohydrodynamics: The study of how electrically conducting fluids and magnetic fields affect one another.
In plasma, the motions of charged material can change magnetic fields, while the fields push back on the material. Models must follow both together.
- Example
- The simulation used magnetohydrodynamics to model flowing solar plasma.
- Why astronomers use it
- It is central to understanding the Sun, accretion flows, and many astrophysical jets.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- Treating plasma as a fluid is a model with limits; some effects require tracking particles or additional physics.
Deep Space Physics The Sun
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.