The Space Weather of Solar-Planetary Interactions and Effects on Systems
Prof. J. M. Forbes
Department of Aerospace Engineering Science, University of Colorado, Boulder
The various components of the Solar-Terrestrial System (Sun, Solar Wind, Magnetosphere, Radiation Belts, Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Middle Atmosphere), and the interactions between them during both quiet periods and disturbance events, are examined to provide a solid understanding of the reentry and orbital environments within which aerospace vehicles operate. Throughout the course, perspectives on comparative planetary environments (including those of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) are provided. |
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Coronal Mass Ejections The Sun episodically expels huge clouds of plasma (coronal mass ejections) that can interact with Earth's magnetic field and lead to significant modification of the geospace environment. |
Surface Electrical Discharge (Arcing) is one of several environmental effects on spacecraft in the geospace environment. |
Information on various aspects of "space weather" and related effects on human-based assets within the geospace environment can be found at: | |