Magnetic reconnection explosively transfers magnetic energy to plasma energy. Reconnection is a microscale process that affects the macroscale evolution of the surrounding system. Reconnection therefore attracts the interests of theorists, modelers, and space and laboratory plasma experimentalists. Many communities share common interests in understanding aspects of reconnection, such as particle acceleration, cross-scale coupling, dissipation mechanisms, etc.

Recent advancements in our understanding of reconnection have been made with the heliospheric system observatory, particularly with Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS). As we prepare for the Facility for Laboratory Reconnection Experiments (FLARE), advancements continue to be made with many operational facilities such as TREX. Theory and modeling support these experimental efforts and pave the way for groundbreaking new discoveries. Magnetic reconnection investigations benefit tremendously when these groups unite and share their state-of-the-art research.

This session provides a venue for cross-pollination by allowing these groups to share their latest research and establish collaborations for future endeavors.