INTRODUCTION TO MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC (Book in Spanish: INTRODUCCIÓN A LA MAGNETOHIDRODINÁMICA)

Plasma physics is an essential field of study for the understanding of contemporary astrophysics. This is evident in the growing interest for detecting magnetic fields coming from distant objects such as galaxies, pulsars and stellar winds or from near-earth-objects such as magnetic storms that originate in the Sun and that affect space weather. Most visible matter in the universe is in a state of plasma confined by magnetic fields.

These field configurations eventually become unstable which results in highly dynamic processes that release large amounts of energy in the form of heat and kinetic energy in a few seconds.

This book is an initial training material for undergraduate or graduate students of Astronomy, Physics and Engineering. It presents key plasma parameters and describes motion of individual particles affected by electric and magnetic fields. Moreover, it explains equations that show plasma dynamics based on the most fundamental kinetic equations. Also, different types of waves that propagate in a plasma are analyzed. The book studies magnetic reconnection, the process by which magnetic energy is released as heat and kinetic energy. It also studies dynamo theory, the mechanisms by which a magnetic field increases or is generated Finally, it presents the first models of the solar wind.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSE?ASTRONOMY DIVULGATION BOOK

This book is about general astronomy topics: from the Big Bang to the calcium in our bones. Moreover, it also gives some tips for observing the sky (naked-eye or with instruments) and suggestions for classroom activities.

Download the book in PDF format (in Spanish) from the digital catalogue of the library of the OAC at the following link. Download.

THE UNIVERSE AT CHILDREN’S FINGERTIPS

Guía para docentes de nivel inicial  (y papás entusiastas).
Activity guide book based mainly on the activity book proposed by UNAWE (Universe Awareness) for the “Universe in a box” project. Translation and adaptation for the Southern Hemisphere and other contributions for beginner level: Dr. Eugenia Díaz-Giménez. Download