So a correct view of objects like M87 can lead to energy breakthroughs on earth.

#M87 #BlackHole

In published papers (lppfusion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Magnetic-Self-Compression-No-1.pdf), Lerner showed that indeed a quantitative theory linking the two phenomena made predictions that were verified both in the lab and in astrophysical observations. That led to improvements in the theory of the plasma focus (http://lppfusion.com/images/stories/theory_and_experimental_program_for_focus_fusion__lpp_jan2011.pdf), patented inventions (http://lppfusion.com/images/stories/theory_and_experimental_program_for_focus_fusion__lpp_jan2011.pdf), and steps towards achieving useful fusion energy (https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/1.4989859).

#M87 #BlackHole

Potentially, fusion can solve humanity’s energy problems. In the 1980’s Lerner, studying both quasars, the astrophysical phenomena produced by objects like M87, and a fusion device called the dense plasma focus, wondered if the device could be used as a model for quasars. The device produced plasmoids and concentrated beams with magnetic fields alone—no gravity needed.

#M87 #BlackHole

For a fuller and more technical discussion, see p.15-17 of Alfven’s 1986 paper (http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2%3A514247/FULLTEXT01.pdf). MHD theory can’t explain the focused beams of energy that emerge from compact objects such as quasars and Herbig-Haro objects, which are ordinary stars in the early stages of formation. These beams are routinely observed produced by plasmoids in our laboratory experiments, explained by correct plasma theory.

#M87 #BlackHole

When his warnings were not heeded, he repeated them strongly in his Nobel address (https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1970/alfven/lecture/), (a clear, non-technical presentation), saying that many basic concepts used by astrophysicists “are not applicable to the conditions prevailing in the cosmos…it is only the plasma itself that does not ‘understand’ how beautiful the theories are and absolutely refuses to obey them.” (See p. 3-4 of PDF, with a simple table comparing wrong and right approaches.)

#M87 #BlackHole

That approximation, called “magnetohydrodynamics” or MHD, was invented by plasma physics pioneer Hannes Alfven, who won the Physics Nobel Prize in 1970 for his work. Alfven repeatedly warned astrophysicists that the approximation was only valid in certain conditions, with dense plasma like those in the sun.

#M87 #BlackHole