Physics and Astronomy Calendar

Much of the matter in our universe is in the plasma state. To understand particle acceleration and energy conversion in natural systems, such as the sun, planetary magnetospheres and astrophysical shocks, it is necessary to understand the physics of plasmas. The Space Plasma Physics Group at the University of Minnesota is expert in the design, construction and analysis of data from electric field and plasma wave instruments for space applications, as well as in analytic theory and plasma simulations. I will describe several examples of interesting phenomena we are studying using data from currently operational NASA and ESA satellites. Recent results on auroral particle acceleration, interplanetary shocks and reconnection will be described. I will also briefly discuss upcoming missions including Stereo (stereoscopic imaging of the sun and study of energetic particle acceleration) and RBSP (acceleration processes in the Earth’s radiation belts) and examples of possible thesis projects.