Comparative Aspects of Particle Acceleration and Reconnection
Recent meetings have highlighted the importance of comparative approaches to space science. Continuing this theme, the focus of Meeting 5 will be energetic particle acceleration at shocks and associated with magnetic reconnection. Reconnection and particle acceleration are fundamental physical processes involving an inherent connection between microphysics (wave-particle interactions and turbulence) and the macrophysical evolution of the plasma itself. By comparing the effects of shocks and reconnection in different space environments including the heliosphere, the solar corona, magnetosphere, and in astrophysical environments, we hope to understand those aspects of reconnection and particle acceleration that may be generalized, and those aspects peculiar to a given space environment.
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