Center for Space Physics Simulations and Theory Group
The simulations and theory group in the center for space physics use some
of the worlds most powerful computers to study space plasmas found in the
ionosphere and magnetosphere.
Projects:
The E-region of the Ionosphere: Electrical currents which naturally
flow along the geomagnetic equator, 100km above the Earth, generate magnetic
fields large enough to cause compass needles on Earth to waver. We
study the electrical properties of this region of the Earth's upper atmosphere.
Solitary Structures in the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere: Enormous
bursts of electrical energy surge along the Earth's magnetic field lines.
We simulate and study the origin and evolution of these nonlinear plasma
structures.
Meteor trails in the ionosphere: Millions of micro-meteorites disintigrate
in the E-region ionosphere every day. We study and simulate the interaction
between meteors and the upper atmosphere in order to learn more about both
the atmosphere and the meteors.
