Multi-scale Structure Formation and Dynamics in Cosmic Plasmas

Thisbook offers eleven coordinated reviews on multi-scalestructure formation in cosmic plasmas in the Universe. Observations and theories of plasma structures are presentedin all relevant astrophysical contexts, from the Earth s magnetosphere  through heliospheric and galactic scales to  clusters of galaxies and the large scalestructure of the Universe. Basic processes in cosmic plasmas starting fromelectric currents and the helicity concept governing the dynamics of magnetic structures in planet magnetospheres,stellar winds, and relativistic plasma outflows like pulsar wind nebulae andActive Galactic Nuclei jets are covered. Themulti-wavelength view from the radio to gamma-rays with modern high resolutiontelescopes discussed in the book reveals a beautiful and highly informativepicture of both coherent and chaotic plasma structures tightly connected bystrong mutual influence. The authors are all leading scientists in theirfields, making this book an authoritative, up-to-date and enduring contributionto astrophysics.