Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) as a research area investigates the dynamics of electrically conducting fluids—such as plasmas, liquid metals, or saltwater—under the influence of magnetic and electric fields. It combines the Navier–Stokes equations of fluid dynamics with Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism, often in single-fluid or multi-fluid formulations, to study phenomena like instabilities, turbulence, wave propagation, and magnetic reconnection. MHD research underpins modeling of astrophysical and space plasmas, fusion devices (e.g., tokamaks), geodynamos, and engineering systems involving liquid-metal flows, with active work on numerical methods, stability theory, and reduced models for strongly coupled, high–Reynolds number regimes.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have discovered new large-scale waves moving deep inside the sun, driven by magnetic fields far below the surface. These waves provide a window into parts of the sun that are otherwise inaccessible, ...
Planetary Sciences
Mar 28, 2026
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One particularly well-known fact about the moon is that it doesn't have much of a magnetosphere to speak of. There's no blanket to protect it from the solar wind ravaging its surface, blowing away its atmosphere and charging ...
Planetary Sciences
Mar 16, 2026
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61
For the first time, the Tibet ASγ Experiment has successfully measured magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence on scales below one parsec (approximately 3.3 light-years) within the gamma-ray halo surrounding the Geminga pulsar ...
Astronomy
Mar 4, 2026
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53
In a new study published in Physical Review Letters, scientists have performed the first global simulations of monster shocks—some of the strongest shocks in the universe—revealing how these extreme events in magnetar magnetospheres ...
The dazzling lights of the aurora are created when high-energy particles from space collide with Earth's atmosphere. While scientists have long understood this process, one big mystery remained: What powers the electric fields ...
Planetary Sciences
Jan 28, 2026
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33
Scientists pursuing magnetically-confined nuclear fusion as a clean energy source grapple with the "core-edge challenge," the need to integrate the core of the reactor, where plasma must be 10 times hotter than the sun, with ...
Plasma Physics
Aug 25, 2025
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146
A research team from the Yunnan Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has shed new light on the magnetic reconnection process driven by rapidly expanding plasma, using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) numerical simulations. ...
Plasma Physics
Aug 12, 2025
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71
Black holes have been fascinating subjects of study, not just because they are cosmic vacuum cleaners, but also as engines of immense power capable of extracting and redistributing energy on a staggering scale. These dark ...
Astronomy
Feb 19, 2025
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93
The missing ingredient for cooking up stars in the same way you might steam your Christmas pudding has been spotted for the first time by astronomers. Much like a pressure cooker has a weight on top of its lid to keep the ...
Astronomy
Dec 19, 2024
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