Solar and Astrophysical Dynamos and Magnetic Activity (IAU S294)

Global magnetic fields in planets, in the Sun and other stars, in spiral galaxies and galaxy clusters are believed to be generated and maintained by a hydromagnetic dynamo, a process that converts turbulent kinetic energy into magnetic energy. These dynamo processes operate on drastically different scales, but are associated with common physical mechanisms, involving a complex interaction of rotation, turbulence and instabilities. The goal of IAU Symposium 294 was to discuss the most important results of recent studies of the cosmic dynamo processes, from planets to stars, galaxies, and clusters of galaxies. This volume covers advances in dynamo theories and numerical simulations, links between dynamos and turbulence, the origin of magnetic fields, and current and future observational projects. The proceedings of IAU S294 are an important asset for advanced students and researchers, as a summary of hot topics related to the solar and astrophysical dynamos and magnetic activity.

• Discusses the most important results of recent studies of the cosmic dynamo processes, which will appeal to those who are interested in the origin of magnetic fields and magnetic activity of astrophysical objects on all scales
• Cross-disciplinary reviews foster links between normally disparate fields, stimulating readers to think across boundaries
• Covers the state of our understanding of dynamo mechanisms in different astrophysical conditions, which helps in the development of new ideas and in understanding links between these fundamental processes and magnetic activity on various cosmic scales