289994 Astrophysical Magnetic Fields: Origin & Measurement (S) (SoSe 2018)

Ubiquitous magnetic fields are pervasive on all scales in the Universe, from
tens of kilometres in neutron stars, thousands of kilometres in planets,
millions of kilometers in stars through to thousands of light-years in galaxies
and several million light-years in the largest observable structures in the
Universe. Magnetic field plays a similar important role in the evolution of
all astrophysical objects as those in our daily life.

In this seminar course we will discuss about how magnetic fields are produced
and maintained in different astrophysical systems like stars, galaxies,
powerful jets launched from black hole accretion disks, and many more systems.

In order to glean information on the physical processes which generate magnetic
fields on astrophysical scales, it is equally important to measure them from
large telescopes on Earth. In the course of this seminar will also discuss about
the different techniques to measure magnetic fields and learn about the vast
cosmos in a little more detail.

Requirements for participation, required level

Electromagnetism (Maxwell's equations; dipole radiation; motion of charged particles);
Special theory of relativity (simple relativistic transforms);
Black body emission;
Classical mechanics.

Bibliography

1) Malcolm Longair; High Energy Astrophysics; 3rd Edition; Cambridge Univ. Press.

2) George B. Rybicki & Alan P. Lightman; Radiative Processes in Astrophysics; WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

3) Richard Wielebinski & Rainer Beck; Cosmic Magnetic Fields; Lecture Notes in Physics; 2005; Springer.

Based on participation and interests, more literature and research papers
will be suggested.