Generation and behavior of solar system magnetic fields

Abstract

A range of problems aimed primarily at elucidating the character and consequences of magnetic-field generation in the solar system and at testing ideas against known properties of natural magnetic fields are covered. Among the specific subjects currently under investigation are the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) character of the protosolar nebula, including the generation and behavior of magnetic fields, the electrical conductivity of dusty nebular gas, transient magnetodynamic and electrodynamic nebular phenomena, and the generation and dynamical behavior of planetary magnetic fields. During the past year, the focus of this research was on disk magnetic field generation and transient MHD heating events possibly associated with the protoplanetary nebula.