Unit SPACE PHYSICS
- Course
- Physics
- Study-unit Code
- A002520
- Curriculum
- Fisica teorica
- Teacher
- Nicola Tomassetti
- Teachers
-
- Nicola Tomassetti
- Hours
- 42 ore - Nicola Tomassetti
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2026
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Sector
- PHYS-05/A
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian or English if foreign students will be attending the lectures.
- Contents
- Heliophysics and space plasma physics; orbit theory and trapped particles; geomagnetic field and magnetosphere; Sun–Earth interactions and space weather; solar wind and heliosphere; energetic particles in the heliosphere and cosmic rays (diffusion, drift and modulation); measurement techniques, data analysis methods, and space missions.
- 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
- Acquisition of a basic understanding of solar and interplanetary phenomena, Sun–Earth interactions, and space weather.
Understanding of the main physical processes in space plasmas, including the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, trapping mechanisms, and adiabatic invariants.
Ability to describe and interpret the mechanisms of acceleration, transport, and modulation of energetic particles in the heliosphere and in the Earth’s magnetosphere. - Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of classical physics, with particular reference to electromagnetism, special relativity, and electrodynamics.
Familiarity with the fundamental tools of differential and integral calculus. - Teaching methods
- Lectures including the presentation and discussion of the main physical models and observational phenomena.
- Learning verification modality
- Colloquium
- Extended program
- Introduction to the course and review of electrodynamics: Maxwell’s equations, Coulomb and Lorentz forces, Ohm’s law, Lorentz transformations, continuity equation, equation of motion, and Poisson’s equation. Elements of plasma physics.
Properties of space plasmas: quasineutrality, shielding and Debye length, plasma parameter, plasma oscillations and plasma frequency. Kinetic description of plasmas and Vlasov equation.
Orbit theory: motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, cyclotron motion and guiding-center approximation. Drift motions (E×B drift, drift due to external forces, gradient and curvature drift). Adiabatic invariants and their applications. Magnetic trapping and magnetic mirrors. Particle motion in the geomagnetic field.
Geomagnetic field: properties and measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field. Multipole expansion and geomagnetic models (IGRF). Geomagnetic coordinates, secular variation, South Atlantic Anomaly, and Van Allen radiation belts.
Elements of magnetohydrodynamics: MHD equations, ideal and diffusive limits, Alfvén’s theorem, magnetic field freezing, and magnetic reconnection.
Magnetosphere and magnetospheric currents: structure of the magnetosphere, Chapman–Ferraro, Birkeland, Hall, and Pedersen currents. Geomagnetic storms and auroral phenomena.
Solar physics: structure and properties of the Sun. Solar activity and empirical laws (Wolf number, solar cycle, Hale, Joy, and Spörer laws). Solar magnetism, solar dynamo, flares, and particle acceleration processes.
Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere: structure of the atmosphere, hydrostatic equilibrium, and atmospheric profiles. Structure of the ionosphere (D, E, F regions), ionospheric conductivity, and ionospheric currents.
Solar wind and heliosphere: Chapman and Parker models, interplanetary magnetic field and Parker spiral, termination shock, and heliosphere.
Cosmic rays: origin and general properties. Transport equation of cosmic rays. Solar and geomagnetic modulation, charge dependence, and drift effects. Approximate models (force-field).
Cosmic ray measurements: ground-based observations (neutron monitors) and space-based measurements. Geomagnetic cutoff and instrument response functions.
Elements of celestial and orbital mechanics. Basics of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics. Space experiments, measurement instruments, space-based and ground-based observatories. Space radiation: effects and shielding strategies. - Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
- The course contributes to the development of advanced scientific skills for understanding natural phenomena in space, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Quality Education (Goal 4) and the promotion of scientific research and technological innovation (Goal 9).