Exploring Near-Earth Space Dynamics Using Optical Measurements: Role of Transient Fast Plasma Transport
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Assistant Researcher
University of California - Los Angeles
Aurora, optical emissions in the upper polar atmosphere, reflects a variety of space phenomena around the Earth, and thus optical observations can be used for remote sensing of space environment. Auroral phenomena are not only important for Space Physics but also impact human society such as radio communication and satellite operation during large space weather events. This talk will firstly introduce a few examples of those, and then present recent progresses in auroral research particularly on the following two science questions: (1) what is the physics of precursors to auroral breakup? (2) How are those influenced by solar wind energy input? Results from auroral imaging, radars and satellites emphasize that transient flows from dayside to nightside are important for driving nightside aurora. A global simulation was able to show that such coupling indeed exists and particular solar wind structures initiate the energy propagation from the dayside to nightside magnetosphere. This sequence provides a possibility of predicting nightside auroral responses much earlier than possible previously. Finally, I will describe my future research plans toward understanding and predicting responses of the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system during space weather events.