Physics of space plasmas: an introduction

Abstract

Electrodynamic phenomena in space are reviewed in a systematic manner using the theory of classical electrodynamics to unify space observations. Topics discussed include large-scale electrodynamic phenomena observed in space; formal equations and definitions; basic properties of stationary electromagnetic fields in the absence of local currents; motions of single particles; and the physics of a collection of particles treated as a fluid. Further, the discussion focuses on plasma convective phenomena in the magnetosphere; interaction of conducting fluids and magnetic fields; the physics of boundaries; wave generation in MHD fluids; the physics of shocks; and instabilities in space.