Of celestial spheres and floaty discs 5

Space plasma is so hot that the atoms break up into charged particles that become trapped in magnetic fields. When critical conditions are reached the magnetic field breaks up, releasing energy. The largest space plasma activity events observed in the solar system occur on the Sun, when coronal mass ejections expel several billion tons of plasma mass. This book takes a look at the physical background of large plasma eruptions in space. It uses fluid and kinetic models, and discusses the applications to magnetospheric and solar activity.

Who is it for? Graduate students and academic researchers in astrophysics and plasma physics.

Presentation: Excellent.

Would you recommend it? I highly recommend it. It is a thorough, rigorous and well-referenced introduction to a complex topic.

David W. Hughes is professor of astronomy at Sheffield University.