Physics in Very Strong Magnetic Fields: Introduction and Overview

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.Comment: 16 pages. To be published in The Strongest Magnetic Fields in the Universe (Space Sciences Series of ISSI, Springer), Space Science Review