Lynn Wilson

My main interests are in collisionless shock physics with a primary emphasis on energy dissipation in collisionless shocks in the solar wind. Collisionless shock waves are thought to play an important role in particle acceleration and energization. These energetic particles can damage and/or destroy robotic spacecraft and be potentially lethal to humans in space. Understanding the manner in which interplanetary shocks dissipate energy is an important step in understanding the evolution and propagation of these phenomena. Further understanding of these microphysical processes can allow for more accurate predictive capabilities helping to protect robotic and human life in space missions.