Cosmic magnetic fields: from the generation mechanism to the solar activity and the Sun-Earth connection.

Abstract

From clusters of galaxies to stars and planets magnetic field has demonstrated to be ubiquitous in nature. The observed magnetic field strength suggests that it does not have a cosmological origin but is the result of a dynamical process of generation. The global problem to be addressed by this research plan regards the generation of magnetic fields in cosmic objects through the hydromagnetic dynamo mechanism. Current developments and issues on the theory and its application to the galaxies are initially discussed. Later, special focus is given to the solar dynamo and its photospheric manifestation or solar activity. A particular goal of this research proposal is the development of a realistic solar dynamo model through "ab-initio" numerical simulations in 3D. From this model we expect to construct forecasting tools able to predict this activity over different time-scales. The methodology to achieve this objectives through global numerical simulations is then presented. Finally, the effects of the solar magnetic activity and variability on the earth's atmosphere and climate are discussed. This calls the attention to a multidisciplinary work necessary to address one outstanding problem in science: the Sun-Earth connection.