Colloquium: Laboratory experiments on hydromagnetic dynamos

Cosmic magnetic fields, including the fields of planets, stars, and galaxies, are believed to be caused by dynamo action in moving electrically conducting fluids. While the theory and numerics of hydromagnetic dynamos have flourished during recent decades, an experimental validation of the effect was missing until recently. We sketch the long history towards a working laboratory dynamo. We report on the first successful experiments at the sodium facilities in Riga and Karlsruhe, and on other experiments which are carried out or planned at various places in the world.