Suprathermal corrections on galactic cosmic rays driven magnetohydrodynamic waves and gravitational instability in astrophysical plasmas

The interaction of two populations of highly energetic cosmic rays (CRs) and suprathermal kappa gas in the astrophysical systems manifests exciting features of low-frequency magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves and instabilities. Contrary to the previous works on waves and instability analysis in Maxwellian gas, this paper investigates the effects of suprathermal corrections on the CR driven MHD waves and gravitational (Jeans) instability using the kappa distribution function. The equation of state for a kappa gas, including spectral κ− index, is considered in the CR-plasma interactions using the hydrodynamic fluid–fluid approach. The modified dispersion properties of fast, slow, and pure Alfvén waves and Jeans instability have been discussed in a suprathermal gas in astrophysical environments. The suprathermal corrections enhance the phase speed of the fast mode of MHD waves which is found to be greater in the suprathermal gas (κ>3/2) and smaller in the Maxwellian gas (κ→∞). In the absence of CR diffusion, the Jeans instability criterion is modified due to the simultaneous presence of CR pressure and suprathermal corrections. However, in the presence of CR diffusion, only suprathermal corrections modify the Jeans instability criterion. The suprathermal gases with higher degrees of freedom require large values of the Jeans wavenumber to produce gravitational instability and make the system more unstable. The suprathermal corrections along with modified thermal speed stabilize the growth rate of Jean instability, supporting the gravitational collapse of non-thermal gas in astrophysical systems.