Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer a ....Ground based monitoring of plasma dynamics in the magnetosphere. We will use a new technique to study the plasmapause, a fundamental and highly dynamic boundary in geospace. This is usually examined using spacecraft and ground-based VLF measurements, but these suffer several limitations. We have developed the ability to monitor plasma density in geospace, by measuring the resonant frequency of geomagnetic field line oscillations. This project will use data from extensive ground magnetometer arrays to thus study the spatial and temporal variation in particle density near the plasmapause. Comparison with VLF and spacecraft measurements will provide new information on the plasma composition and dynamics in this important region.Read moreRead less
Predicting Space Weather Using Solar Radio Bursts. Australia's scientific standing and expertise will be enhanced in the fields of space weather, space physics, plasma physics, and complex systems by the new prediction methods and scientific discoveries expected. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionospheric Prediction Service reports to customers in defence (better communications) and satellite operations (improved survivability), industry (reduced infrastructure damage), and els ....Predicting Space Weather Using Solar Radio Bursts. Australia's scientific standing and expertise will be enhanced in the fields of space weather, space physics, plasma physics, and complex systems by the new prediction methods and scientific discoveries expected. Better predictions will increase the utility of Ionospheric Prediction Service reports to customers in defence (better communications) and satellite operations (improved survivability), industry (reduced infrastructure damage), and elsewhere. Australia's research base will be strengthened by high-level training of Research Associates and students, while its scientific infrastructure and role in international space efforts will be enhanced.Read moreRead less
Critical Issues in Space Physics. Wave-particle interactions are vitally important in, and fundamental to plasma physics, with widespread applications to space and astrophysical phenomena. They link the generation and properties of waves and radiation with the heating, acceleration, and transport of plasma particles. The research program aims to develop theories tested with observational data that resolve four critical issues in space physics: (1) whether linear mode conversion is important, (2) ....Critical Issues in Space Physics. Wave-particle interactions are vitally important in, and fundamental to plasma physics, with widespread applications to space and astrophysical phenomena. They link the generation and properties of waves and radiation with the heating, acceleration, and transport of plasma particles. The research program aims to develop theories tested with observational data that resolve four critical issues in space physics: (1) whether linear mode conversion is important, (2) why waves and radiation are typically bursty, (3) how heating and particle acceleration occur in magnetic reconnection regions such as the solar atmosphere, and (4) how to explain important solar, interplanetary, and magnetospheric radio phenomena that depend on both microscopic wave-particle physics and largescale source structure.Read moreRead less