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Topic
Interconnections between the Physics of Plasmas and Self-gravitating Systems (kinetics24) - KITP
Date & Time
Selected Sessions:
Jul 25, 2024 11:15 AM
Description
The long-range nature of the inverse square law governs the key physics of both dilute electromagnetic plasmas (i.e. collections of charged particles) and self-gravitating systems (i.e. collections of massive point-like objects in star clusters). This physics is central to understanding many key problems in heliophysics and astrophysics, including the origin of the solar wind, accretion disks around black holes, and star clusters around massive black holes.
The crucial similarity in plasma physics and self-gravitating systems arises from the fact that inter-particle interactions in both systems are primarily governed by coherent forces from distant particles, as opposed to quasi-random forces from violent collisions with nearby particles. This implies they must be described in six-dimensional phase space using kinetic theory. They also exhibit many equivalent processes, such as Landau damping, dynamical friction, resonant relaxation, quasi-periodic orbits, and polarization effects.
However, with a few notable exceptions, the two research communities have remained separate, explaining different phenomena using different languages, across different scales, from different observational data sets. For this program, we aim to stimulate conversation between these two groups, with a particular focus on fundamental kinetic theory such as collisionless/collisional relaxation and phase-space dynamics. The goals are to establish a common language for the kinetic theory of plasmas and self-gravitating systems, to foster a fruitful exchange of ideas and methods between our two communities, and to tackle the fundamental physics of phase-space dynamics in new and creative ways.
Coordinators: Jean-Baptiste Fouvry, Matthew Kunz, Jonathan Squire and Anna Lisa Varri
More info: https://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/activities/kinetics24
Recorded talks: https://online.kitp.ucsb.edu/online/kinetics24/