Open AccessA cautionary note on cosmological magnetic fields
Author(s) -
Teodoro Luís F. A.,
Diver Declan A.,
Hendry Martin A.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society: letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.067
H-Index - 122
eISSN - 1745-3933
pISSN - 1745-3925
DOI - 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2007.00406.x
Subject(s) - physics , magnetohydrodynamics , cosmology , theoretical physics , astrophysics , criticism , statistical physics , magnetic field , quantum mechanics , law , political science
This note is concerned with potentially misleading concepts in the treatment of cosmological magnetic fields by magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) modelling. It is not a criticism of MHD itself but rather a cautionary comment on the validity of its use in cosmology. Now that the relevant cosmological data are greatly improved compared with a few decades ago, and even better data are imminent, it makes sense to revisit original modelling assumptions and examine critically their shortcomings in respect of modern science. Specifically, this Letter argues that ideal MHD is a poor approximation around recombination, since it inherently restricts evolutionary time‐scales, and is often misapplied in the existing literature.