Magnetic reconnection (IMAGE)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Magnetic reconnection

Caption

Magnetic reconnection is a process that occurs in plasma, sometimes called the fourth state of matter. Plasma forms when a gas has been energized enough to break apart its atoms, leaving a motley of negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions existing side-by-side. This energetic, fluid-like material is exquisitely sensitive to magnetic fields.

Credit

NASA

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

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