| Abstract : | Magnetic reconnection is a plasma phenomenon which involves rapid topological rear-
rangement of the magnetic field, leading to efficient magnetic energy conversion and dis-
sipation. Thus, it is a leading model for understanding various energetic astrophysical
observations including solar flares, particle acceleration in jets and pulsar magnetospheres,
gamma ray bursts, etc. The landscape of models for reconnection has undergone a paradigm
shift due to the plasmoid instability. I will present these recent developments.
Given that most astrophysical plasmas are turbulent, their interaction with magnetic
reconnection forms as an important issue. I will detail the issue and present the latest
studies that have investigated the role of reconnection in turbulence. |
