- #1
DrZoidberg
- 522
- 70
How can magnetic field lines "snap"?
In astronomy, magnetic field lines around stars or planets are sometimes said to "snap" and release their stored energy.
e.g. the aurora borealis is created that way
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/highsky/auror2.htm
Also gamma ray bursts of neutron stars
http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/mpa/research/current_research/hl2006-11/hl2006-11-en.html
So how is it possible for a magnetic field to "snap"?
In astronomy, magnetic field lines around stars or planets are sometimes said to "snap" and release their stored energy.
e.g. the aurora borealis is created that way
http://www.atoptics.co.uk/highsky/auror2.htm
Also gamma ray bursts of neutron stars
http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/mpa/research/current_research/hl2006-11/hl2006-11-en.html
So how is it possible for a magnetic field to "snap"?