2007/02/28 by L. F. A. Teodoro, Luis F. A. Teodoro, D. A. Diver +3 · 1 citation
Physics and Astronomy · #Cosmology and Gravitation Theories #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics #astro-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/j.1745-3933.2007.00406.x
5 pages
arxiv created 2007/02/28 · openalex publication_date 2007/11/17 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Abstract 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.