... M.R.E Proctor, and A.D Gilbert (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1994) 1.2 What is plasma? INTRODUCTION Introduction to plasma physics: R.J Goldston, and P Rutherford (Institute of Physics ... formation, and a host of other topics in astrophysics Two topics of particular interest in MHD theory are magnetic reconnection and 1.3 A brief history of plasma physics INTRODUCTION dynamo theory ... astrophysics and space plasma physics contexts 1.9 Magnetized plasmas A magnetized plasma is one in which the ambient magnetic field B is strong enough to significantly alter particle trajectories...