Magnetic reconnection in partially ionized plasmas

Parametric resonance of Alfvén waves driven by ionization-recombination waves in the weakly ionized solar atmosphere

Parametric coupling of waves is one of the most efficient mechanisms of energy transfer that can lead to the growth or decay of waves. This transfer occurs at frequencies close to their natural frequencies. In partially ionized solar plasma, there are a multitude of waves that can undergo this process. Here, we study the parametric coupling of Alfvén waves propagating in a partially ionized solar plasma with ionization-recombination waves identified by our study to appear in a plasma in ionization non-equilibrium. Depending on the parameters that describe the plasma (density, temperature), coupling can lead to a parametric resonance. Our study determines the occurrence conditions of parametric resonance, by finding the boundaries between stable and unstable regions in the parameter space. Our results show that collisions and non-equilibrium recombination can both contribute to the onset of unstable behaviour of parametrically resonant Alfvén waves. This article is part of the theme issue 'Partially ionized plasma of the solar atmosphere: recent advances and future pathways'.

Three-dimensional magnetic reconnection in astrophysical plasmas

Magnetic reconnection is a fundamental process in laboratory, magnetospheric, solar and astrophysical plasmas, whereby magnetic energy is converted into heat, bulk kinetic energy and fast particle energy. Its nature in two dimensions is much better understood than that in three dimensions, where its character is completely different and has many diverse aspects that are currently being explored. Here, we focus on the magnetohydrodynamics of three-dimensional reconnection in the plasma environment of the Solar System, especially solar flares. The theory of reconnection at null points, separators and quasi-separators is described, together with accounts of numerical simulations and observations of these three types of reconnection. The distinction between separator and quasi-separator reconnection is a theoretical one that is unimportant for the observations of energy release. A new paradigm for solar flares, in which three-dimensional reconnection plays a central role, is proposed.