6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
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Three-dimensional MHD simulations of astrospheres and galactic cosmic ray transport.

9 Jul 2026, 11:00
20m
Lecture Hall C5 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall C5

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track D - Astrophysics & Space Science Astrophysics & Space Science

Speaker

Christo Pretorius

Description

Astrospheres are large scale magnetized plasma structures formed by the interaction between stellar winds and the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). These systems play a fundamental role in regulating the transport and modulation of energetic charged particles. In this study, we will investigate the astrosphere of the runaway O-type star $\lambda$ Cephei using three dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations with the heliosphere serving as a well observed benchmark for physical interpretation.

The work focuses on extracting and characterizing key plasma and magnetic field properties from high resolution simulations and transforming these into forms suitable for cosmic ray transport modeling. Building on heliospheric transport theory these MHD derived parameters are then used to calculate cosmic ray modulation inside these astrospheric cavities.

This study will also include an analysis between the stochastic cosmic ray modulation code and an independent finite difference transport model for comparison.

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Author

Co-authors

Prof. Eugene Engelbrecht (North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, Centre for Space Research) Dr Jabus van den Berg (North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, Centre for Space Research) Dr Juandré Light (North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, Centre for Space Research) Prof. Stefan Ferreira (North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2531, Centre for Space Research)

Presentation materials