ATP3264 Introduction to Space Physics

Space Physics describes the behaviour of the space in the vicinity of the Earth and within the solar system
with focus on solar-terrestrial relationships. Specifically, it provides a detailed description on how solar
particles and radiation affect the Earth and near-Earth space through the solar wind and magnetosphere
coupling. Space physics as the study of Earth’s home in space, includes:

1. the study of how the Sun works from its interior to its surface and its atmosphere (the corona), including
the causes of eruptions on the Sun marking times of high solar activity,

2. the characterization of the environment between the Sun and the planets out to the interstellar medium,
including the solar wind and energetic cosmic rays from outside the solar system,

3. the study of the interaction of the magnetic barriers (magnetospheres) surrounding Earth and other
planets with the interplanetary environment, particularly during times of high solar activity,

4. the study of Earth’s ionized upper atmosphere (the ionosphere) and its interaction with Earth’s neutral
lower atmosphere.

Space Physics introduces also the concept of space weather and how this is monitored, and its adverse
impacts on technologies and society. Space weather is a fundamental part of the study of space and has an
importance not only in understanding the universe, but also in our practical everyday life such as communi-
cation, satellite safety and applications.