Physics Of The Space Environment

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the physical phenomena that result from the interaction of the sun and the planets - often termed space weather. Physics of the Space Environment explores the basic processes in the Sun, in the interplanetary medium, in the near-Earth space, and down into the atmosphere. The first part of the book summarizes fundamental elements of transport theory relevant for the atmosphere, ionosphere and the magnetosphere. This theory is then applied to physical phenomena in the space environment. The fundamental physical processes are emphasized throughout, and basic concepts and methods are derived from first principles. This book is unique in its balanced treatment of space plasma and aeronomical phenomena. Students and researchers with a basic mathematics and physics background will find this book invaluable in the study of phenomena in the space environment.

This book on the terrestrial space environment is directed at a broad group of students and scientists, who seek knowledge of the methods and results of space research. The only prerequisites are fundamental physics and mathematics as usually acquired in introductory college courses in science or engineering curricula. Stressing physical insight rather than mathematical precision, "Physics of the Earth’s Space Environment" derives further knowledge on selected topics as each phenomenon is considered and strives to present experimental results in conjunction with basic reasoning about the underlying physics. The content’s breadth and introductory nature make this an ideal reader for students in geophysics, meteorology, space sciences and astronomy

Presents the experimental results while explaining the underlying physics on the basis of simple reasoning and agumentation. Assumes only basic knowledge of of fundamental physics and mathematics as usually required for introductory college courses in science or engineering curricula. Derives more specifics of selected topics as each phenomenon considered ,epmasizing an intuitive over a rigorous mathematical approach. Directed at a broad group of readers and students.

Students and researchers with a basic math and physics background will find this book invaluable in the study of phenomena in the space environment.

This edition takes account of discoveries in space science since publication of the first edition. The bulk of the book develops the physics of the space environment, and the last two chapters apply these principles to electromagnetic wave propagation and spacecraft operation.

Magnetospheric Imaging: Understanding the Space Environment through Global Measurements is a state-of-the-art resource on new and advanced techniques and technologies used in measuring and examining the space environment on a global scale. Chapters detail this emergent field by exploring optical imaging, ultraviolet imaging, energetic neutral atom imaging, X-ray imaging, radio frequency imaging, and magnetic field imaging. Each technique is clearly described, with details about the technologies involved, how they work, and both their opportunities and limitations. Magnetospheric imaging is still a relatively young capability in magnetospheric research, hence this book is an ideal resource on this burgeoning field of study. This book is a comprehensive resource for understanding where the field stands, as well as providing a stepping stone for continued advancement of the field, from developing new techniques, to applying techniques on other planetary bodies. Summarizes and reviews significant progress in the field of magnetospheric imaging Covers all of the techniques and technologies available, including a basic overview of each, as well as what it can accomplish, how it works, what its limitations are, and how it might be improved Details ways for measuring the space environment on a global scale, what physical measurements various technologies can provide, and how they can be effectively used

All aspects of space plasmas in the Solar System are introduced and explored in this text for senior undergraduate and graduate students. Introduction to Space Physics provides a broad, yet selective, treatment of the complex interactions of the ionized gases of the solar terrestrial environment. The book includes extensive discussion of the Sun and solar wind, the magnetized and unmagnetized planets, and the fundamental processes of space plasmas including shocks, plasma waves, ULF waves, wave particle interactions, and auroral processes. The text devotes particular attention to space plasma observations and integrates these with phenomenological and theoretical interpretations. Highly coordinated chapters, written by experts in their fields, combine to provide a comprehensive introduction to space physics. Based on an advanced undergraduate and graduate course presented in the Department of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles, the text will be valuable to both students and professionals in the field.

The breakup of the Space Shuttle Columbia as it reentered Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003, reminded the public--and NASA--of the grave risks posed to spacecraft by everything from insulating foam to space debris. Here, Alan Tribble presents a singular, up-to-date account of a wide range of less conspicuous but no less consequential environmental effects that can damage or cause poor performance of orbiting spacecraft. Conveying a wealth of insight into the nature of the space environment and how spacecraft interact with it, he covers design modifications aimed at eliminating or reducing such environmental effects as solar absorptance increases caused by self-contamination, materials erosion by atomic oxygen, electrical discharges due to spacecraft charging, degradation of electrical circuits by radiation, and bombardment by micrometeorites. This book is unique in that it bridges the gap between studies of the space environment as performed by space physicists and spacecraft design engineering as practiced by aerospace engineers.