An international team of astrophysicists has conducted a highly precise simulation of magnetic turbulence in interstellar space, challenging existing physical theories. The simulation, performed on the SuperMUC-NG supercomputer at the Leibniz Supercomputing Center in Germany, has yielded surprising results and visually striking images.
The model encompasses regions up to 30 light-years in scale, resolving structures 5,000 times smaller. Contrary to current theories, the simulation reveals that magnetic fields alter the transfer of turbulent energy from large to small scales. Specifically, the magnetic fields suppress small-scale motions while amplifying Alfvén waves.
These findings have significant implications for interpreting data from space missions and observatories. The simulation enhances our understanding of space weather and aids in predicting plasma behavior, which is crucial for planning safe space missions and understanding the propagation of high-energy particles.