Magnetic reconnection is a key process in astrophysical and space plasmas that converts magnetic energy into other forms of energy. It drives gamma-ray bursts, solar flares, and accelerates particles. A fast reconnection is necessary to explain the explosive nature of flares and bursts. However, conditions for the onset of fast reconnection are a topic of intense debate. Simulations of magnetic reconnection in 2D have shown that the current sheet is […]

Solar flares, similar to many other astrophysical energetic processes, are related to magnetic reconnection. During these events magnetic energy is transferred from other forms of energy, mostly heat and energetic particles. Traditionally, the goal of various models of magnetic reconnection was to explain the rate of this energy transfer. However, the flares are just one of the processes that involves magnetic reconnection. If one imagines any complex motion in a […]