Unit SPACE PHYSICS

Course
Physics
Study-unit Code
A002520
Location
PERUGIA
Curriculum
Fisica teorica
Teacher
Nicola Tomassetti
Teachers
  • Nicola Tomassetti
Hours
  • 42 ore - Nicola Tomassetti
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2022
Offered
2022/23
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Academic discipline
FIS/05
Type of study-unit
Opzionale (Optional)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
Heliophysics; physics of space plasma; energetic particles; Sun-Earth relations; space weather; space missions, measurements, and methods.
Reference texts
M. B. Kallenrode, "Space Physics - An Introduction to Plasmas and Particles in the Heliosphere and Magnetospheres", 2004 Springer.
C. T. Russell, J. G. Luhmann, R. J. Srangeway, “Space Physics - An Introduction”, 2017 Cambridge University Press
Educational objectives
Knowledge of heliospheric and interplanetary phenomena, Sun-Earth relations and space weather. Understanding of basic plasma astrophysics processes. Acceleration and transport of energetic particles.
Prerequisites
Basic physics, classical electrodynamics, special relativity, calculus.
Teaching methods
Lecture
Learning verification modality
Colloquium
Extended program
Introduction to space plasma; solar and heliospheric, and magnetospheric plasma. Kinetic theory, orbit theory, adiabatic invariants. Elements of electrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics; lfvén's frozen-in theorem; magnetic reconnection. The Earth magnetic field. Radiation in low Earth orbit, the south atlantic anomaly, the Van Allen belts. Sun-Earth relations; the magnetosphere; geomagnetic disturbance and proxies; polar auroras; magnetic storms; ionospheric phenomena. Space weather; monitoring, nowcasting, and alert systems. Space missions, instruments and methods. The Sun, its structure, and its variability. The solar cycle. The heliosphere and the solar wind; the interplanetary magnetic field; the termination shock; the heliospheric current sheet; the interstellar space. Transport and acceleration of energetic particles. Spatial diffusion, convection, adiabatic cooling, drift, diffusive shock acceleration. Solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays. Geomagnetic modulation and geomagnetic rigidity cutoff. Radioprotection in space, radiation damage and risks, shielding.
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