Solar Plasma Geomagnetism And Aurorae

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Special Publications Series. From the Sun demystifies auroras, magnetic storms, solar flares, cosmic rays and other displays of Sun-Earth interactions. The authors, all well-known figures in space science, explain how solar eruptions affect human technology and society in articles intended for the nonspecialist and adapted from Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union. One of the most appealing features is a comprehensive glossary of the terminology necessary to read almost any volume on Sun-Earth connections.

Readers will find grouped together here the most recent observations, current theoretical models and present understanding of the coupled atmosphere, magnetosphere and solar wind system. The book begins with a general discussion of mass, energy and momentum transport in magnetodiscs. The physics of partially ionized plasmas of the giant planet magnetodiscs is of general interest throughout the field of space physics, heliophysics and astrophysical plasmas; therefore, understanding the basic physical processes associated with magnetodiscs has universal applications. The second chapter characterizes the solar wind interaction and auroral responses to solar wind driven dynamics. The third chapter describes the role of magnetic reconnection and the effects on plasma transport. Finally, the last chapter characterizes the spectral and spatial properties of auroral emissions, distinguishing between solar wind drivers and internal driving mechanisms. The in-depth reviews provide an excellent reference for future research in this discipline.

The second edition of The Aurora focuses on the underlying causes and occurrence of the aurora, again mainly at low altitudes, but with an increased dicussion of high latitude aurorae.