theory of Alfvén waves

Alfvén waves are a type of magnetohydrodynamic wave that occur in plasma, which is a state of matter consisting of charged particles. Named after physicist Hannes Alfvén, these waves can travel along magnetic field lines in space environments, such as the solar wind or the Earth’s magnetosphere. They occur when the pressure of the plasma pushes against the magnetic field, creating oscillations, much like waves in water. Alfvén waves are important for understanding space weather and the behavior of stars, as they can carry energy and information throughout plasma-filled regions of the universe.