Physics in Very Strong Magnetic Fields: Introduction and Overview

TL;DR

This paper introduces the role of very strong magnetic fields in astrophysics, covering atomic, condensed matter, high-energy processes, and classical effects on stars, accretion disks, and compact object mergers.

Contribution

It provides an overview of how strong magnetic fields influence various astrophysical phenomena, integrating atomic physics, condensed matter, and classical astrophysics insights.

Findings

Strong magnetic fields significantly affect atomic and condensed matter physics in astrophysical contexts.

Even relatively weak magnetic fields can have substantial effects on astrophysical processes.

The paper synthesizes current understanding of magnetic field impacts on neutron stars and related phenomena.

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to a number of astrophysics problems related to strong magnetic fields. The first part deals with issues related to atoms, condensed matter and high-energy processes in very strong magnetic fields, and how these issues influence various aspects of neutron star astrophysics. The second part deals with classical astrophysical effects of magnetic fields: Even relatively "weak" fields can play a strong role in various astrophysical problems, ranging from stars, accretion disks and outflows, to the formation and merger of compact objects.