Background of the Workshop
It is well established and appreciated by now
that more than 99% of the baryonic matter in the universe is in the
plasma
state. Most astrophysical systems could be approximated as
conducting fluids in a gravitational field. It is the combined effect
of these two that gives rise to the mind boggling variety of
configurations in the form of filaments, loops , jets
and arches. The plasma
structures that cannot last for more than a second
or less in a laboratory
remain intact for astronomical time and spatial
scales in an astrophysical
setting. The case in point is the well known
extragalactic jets whose
collimation and stability has remained an enigma
inspite of the efforts of
many for many long years. The high energy
radiation sources such as the
active galactic nuclei again summon the
coherent plasma radiation
processes for their exceptionally large output
from regions of relatively
small physical sizes. The generation of
magnetic field, anomalous
transport of angular momentum with decisive
bearing on star formation
processes, the ubiquitous MHD turbulence under
conditions irreproducible in
terrestrial laboratories are some of the
generic issues still awaiting
a concerted effort for their understanding.
Quantum Plasmas, pair plasmas
and pair-ion plasmas exist under extreme
conditions in planetary
interiors and exotic stars. In this workshop of
the intended series, I wish
to bring the plasma physicists, the
astrophysicists and the plasma
astrophysicists together and first just get
acquainted with the systems
and the issues. In subsequent workshops a
subset of the topics could be
selected for deeper and more technical
deliberations.
Financial Arrangements
All participants
will be provided with local hospitality during their stay in
Kodaikanal. There is no
registration fee. Within the limited
funds available, a number of selected participants
from developing countries
will be offered financial support to attend the Workshop. Limited
funding is
available for travel support for indian participants also, specially
for young people
from
universities. For travel support send email to kt1@iiap.res.in
Selection of Participants
Participants will be selected by the
Organizing Committee. Some participants will be invited for
oral/poster presentations based on the information provided in
the Application Form.
