An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
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The mechanism whereby → astrophysical jets are thrown out of → accretion disks . Observed correlations between emission from the accretion disk and from the jet provide evidence that the jets are launched from the disks directly. As the energy emitted from the jets is a → synchrotron radiation, the presence of a → magnetic field is deduced for the ejection. The most promising model for such "accretion-ejection" structures is based on a scenario where a large-scale magnetic field threads an accretion disk. This model, using a → magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approach, shows that the magnetic field can azimuthally brake the matter inside the disk (carrying off → angular momentum allowing accretion) and accelerate matter above the disk surface. The → collimation of the flow is achieved via → magnetic tension due to the presence of a → toroidal component of the magnetic field. The magnetic field provides an effective alternative to the radially outward transport of disk angular momentum by → viscosity. The interaction of the magnetic structure with the disk plasma can create a MHD → Poynting flux leaving the disk along the magnetic surface. This energy flux can then be converted into → kinetic energy of the matter within the jet. Because the → mass density in the jet is smaller than in the disk, it is thereby possible to reach high → terminal velocities for a given amount of angular momentum removed from the disk (Casse & Keppens, 2002, ApJ 581, 988, and references therein).

→ jet; → launch; → -ing.

1) To throw or propel with force; hurl. → jet launching.
2) To set (a missile, spacecraft, etc) into motion

From M.E. launchen "to throw as a lance," O.Fr. lanchier, lancier "to hurl, throw, cast," from L.L. lanceare "wield a lance," from L. lancea "light spear, lance."

From partâb "a throw, an arrow that flies far," partâbidan "to throw," → ballistics.