What is Space Physics?
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We define Space Physics to be the study of ionized gas in the earth's environment and its interaction with the neutral atmosphere and with natural and man made boundaries. When long range electric and magnetic forces dominate the evolution of a volume of ionized gas it is referred to as a plasma. Space physics research at the University of Washington covers topics from very weakly ionized gas, such as that of the earth's lower and middle atmosphere, to the plasmas of interplanetary space which are nearly fully ionized. Understanding space physics involves learning about a multiply connected set of ionized gas phenomena stretching from the sun to the surface of the earth and the other planets. The sun emits a variable stream of plasma called the solar wind which in turn interacts strongly with the Earth's magnetic field, forming a magnetic bubble in the solar wind called the magnetosphere. The boundary with the solar wind is called the magnetopause. Large scale magnetic and electric forces near and within the magnetosphere act to accelerate the charged particles of the solar wind plasma, as well as the cold plasma particles of the ionosphere. Direct energy and momentum transfer between the solar wind and the upper atmosphere is important for both ionospheric and thermospheric dynamics. Large scale electric currents flow between the boundaries of the magnetosphere and the ionosphere. Energetic charged particles inside the magnetosphere form the radiation belts and produce the visible Aurora Borealis. Space Physics research at the University of Washington has both strong experimental and theoretical components. We have active programs of balloon, rocket and satellite experiments as well as plasma theory, modeling and simulation. |
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Cool Space
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The ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory recorded these images of an intense solar flare (above) and a halo coronal mass ejection (right) on 14 July 2000. This interplanetary shock resulting from the CME produced intense auroral activity when it reached the Earth one day later. |
The central disk blocks out the Sun's bright light; the white circle near the center shows the true size of the Sun. Images link to larger images and additional descriptions. |
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Last modified: Thu Jun 8 20:10:33 PDT 2000