3D non-driven magnetic reconnection at multiple separators

Separators are important topological features of magnetic configuration for magnetic reconnection, commonly found in the solar plasma. They are located at the boundary shared among four distinctive flux domains; therefore, current layers easily build up around them. This paper aims to explore non-driven magnetic reconnection at multiple separators since little information is available about it. We have done two sets of experiments: non-resistive magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) relaxation and resistive MHD reconnection of a magnetic configuration consisting of two null points alongside their associated spines and three non-potential separators, which connect the same two null points. We used the LARE3D code for this purpose. The main current layers are formed along these separators where reconnection takes place. The reconnection occurs in two distinct phases: fast-strong and slow-weak. Most of the current dissipates at a fast rate, through Ohmic heating, during the fast-strong phase. The short-lived impulsive bursty reconnection events occur randomly in the slow-weak phase, while viscous heating exceeds Ohmic heating in this phase. The electric field component is parallel to field lines along the separators; likewise, the rate of reconnection along each of them evolved over time. However, work on separator reconnection has a strong potential to understand the underlying physics.

Turbulent reconnection and its implications

Magnetic reconnection is a process of magnetic field topology change, which is one of the most fundamental processes happening in magnetized plasmas. In most astrophysical environments, the Reynolds numbers corresponding to plasma flows are large and therefore the transition to turbulence is inevitable. This turbulence, which can be pre-existing or driven by magnetic reconnection itself, must be taken into account for any theory of magnetic reconnection that attempts to describe the process in the aforementioned environments. This necessity is obvious as three-dimensional high-resolution numerical simulations show the transition to the turbulence state of initially laminar reconnecting magnetic fields. We discuss ideas of how turbulence can modify reconnection with the focus on the Lazarian & Vishniac (Lazarian & Vishniac 1999 Astrophys. J. 517, 700-718 (doi:10.1086/307233)) reconnection model. We present numerical evidence supporting the model and demonstrate that it is closely connected to the experimentally proven concept of Richardson dispersion/diffusion as well as to more recent advances in understanding of the Lagrangian dynamics of magnetized fluids. We point out that the generalized Ohm's law that accounts for turbulent motion predicts the subdominance of the microphysical plasma effects for reconnection for realistically turbulent media. We show that one of the most dramatic consequences of turbulence is the violation of the generally accepted notion of magnetic flux freezing. This notion is a cornerstone of most theories dealing with magnetized plasmas, and therefore its change induces fundamental shifts in accepted paradigms, for instance, turbulent reconnection entails reconnection diffusion process that is essential for understanding star formation. We argue that at sufficiently high Reynolds numbers the process of tearing reconnection should transfer to turbulent reconnection. We discuss flares that are predicted by turbulent reconnection and relate this process to solar flares and γ-ray bursts. With reference to experiments, we analyse solar observations in situ as measurements in the solar wind or heliospheric current sheet and show the correspondence of data with turbulent reconnection predictions. Finally, we discuss first-order Fermi acceleration of particles that is a natural consequence of the turbulent reconnection.

Energetics of kinetic reconnection in a three-dimensional null-point cluster

We perform three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of magnetic reconnection with multiple magnetic null points. Magnetic field energy conversion into kinetic energy is about five times higher than in traditional Harris sheet configuration. More than 85% of initial magnetic field energy is transferred to particle energy during 25 reversed ion cyclofrequencies. Magnetic reconnection in the cluster of null points evolves in three phases. During the first phase, ion beams are excited, then give part of their energy back to the magnetic field in the second phase. In the third phase, magnetic reconnection occurs in many small patches around the current channels formed along the stripes of a low magnetic field. Magnetic reconnection in null points essentially presents three-dimensional features, with no two-dimensional symmetries or current sheets.

Theory of magnetic reconnection in solar and astrophysical plasmas

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in a plasma that facilitates the release of energy stored in the magnetic field by permitting a change in the magnetic topology. In this paper, we present a review of the current state of understanding of magnetic reconnection. We discuss theoretical results regarding the formation of current sheets in complex three-dimensional magnetic fields and describe the fundamental differences between reconnection in two and three dimensions. We go on to outline recent developments in modelling of reconnection with kinetic theory, as well as in the magnetohydrodynamic framework where a number of new three-dimensional reconnection regimes have been identified. We discuss evidence from observations and simulations of Solar System plasmas that support this theory and summarize some prominent locations in which this new reconnection theory is relevant in astrophysical plasmas.

3D Magnetic Reconnection

Magnetic reconnection is an important process that is prevalent in a wide range of astrophysical bodies. It is the mechanism that permits magnetic fields to relax to a lower energy state through the global restructuring of the magnetic field and is thus associated with a range of dynamic phenomena such as solar flares and CMEs. The characteristics of three-dimensional reconnection are reviewed revealing how much more diverse it is than reconnection in two dimensions. For instance, three-dimensional reconnection can occur both in the vicinity of null points, as well as in the absence of them. It occurs continuously and continually throughout a diffusion volume, as opposed to at a single point, as it does in two dimensions. This means that in three-dimensions field lines do not reconnect in pairs of lines making the visualisation and interpretation of three-dimensional reconnection difficult.

By considering particular numerical 3D magnetohydrodynamic models of reconnection, we consider how magnetic reconnection can lead to complex magnetic topologies and current sheet formation. Indeed, it has been found that even simple interactions, such as the emergence of a flux tube, can naturally give rise to ‘turbulent-like’ reconnection regions.

A topological analysis of the magnetic breakout model for an eruptive solar flare

The magnetic breakout model gives an elegant explanation for the onset of an eruptive solar flare, involving magnetic reconnection at a coronal null point which leads to the initially enclosed flux ‘breaking out’ to large distances. In this paper we take a topological approach to the study of the conditions required for this breakout phenomenon to occur. The evolution of a simple delta sunspot model, up to the point of breakout, is analysed through several sequences of potential and linear force-free quasi-static equilibria. We show that any new class of field lines, such as those connecting to large distances, must be created through a global topological bifurcation and derive rules to predict the topological reconfiguration due to various types of bifurcation.