Space Physics

Space is a large natural plasma laboratory offering a wealth of phenomena which range from the simple to the highly complex and non-linear. This book begins with an introduction to basic principles such as single-particle motion, magnetohydrodynamics and plasma waves. It incorporates these concepts into an analysis of complex phenomena including the sun and solar activity, shocks, interplanetary space and magnetospheres, and finally the interaction between these entities in solar-terrestrial relationships. In all these subfields of space research, special attention is paid to energetic particles. The book concludes with a brief chapter on instrumentation. In this third edition, numerous examples have been added to illustrate the basic concepts and aid the reader in applying such concepts to real world physics. In addition, recent observations (ACE, TRACE, Wind) have been included. The chapter on solar-terrestrial relationships has been expanded to introduce the current research topic of Space Weather.

Focuses on concepts relevant in the large-scale space plasmas Combines basic concepts with current research and new observations in interplanetary space and in the magnetospheres Numerous references to review articles and important original papers Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Contenu
I Plasmas: The Basics.- 1 Introduction.- 2 Charged Particles in Electromagnetic Fields.- 3 Magnetohydrodynamics.- 4 Plasma Waves.- 5 Kinetic Theory.- II Space Plasmas.- 6 Sun and Solar Wind: Plasmas in the Heliosphere.- 7 Energetic Particles in the Heliosphere.- 8 The Terrestrial Magnetosphere.- 9 Planetary Magnetospheres.- 10 SolarTerrestrial Relationships.- III The Methods.- 11 Instrumentation.- 12 Science in a Complex Environment.- A.1 List of Symbols.- A.2 Equations in the SI and cgs System.- A.3 Useful Relations.- A.3.1 Vector Calculus.- A.3.2 Cylindrical Coordinates.- A.3.3 Spherical Coordinates.- A.4 Useful Numbers.- A.4.1 Fundamental Constants.- A.4.2 Numbers in Plasmas.- A.4.3 Conversion of Units.- A.5 Useful Internet Resources.- A.5.1 Space Physics General.- A.5.2 Textbooks and other Educational Material.- A.5.3 Missions.- A.5.4 The Sun.- A.5.5 SolarTerrestrial Relationships.- A.5.6 Aurorae.- A.5.7 Data.- References.