A Science Strategy for Space Physics (1995) / Chapter Skim
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A Science Strategy for Space Physics: Part I
A Science Strategy for Space Physics: Part I
Pages 20-31
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From page 20... ...
The purposes of this report are to summarize the state of space physics research in 1995, to identify and explain what the Committee on Solar and Space Physics and the Committee on Solar-Terrestrial Research believe are the most important topics to be addressed during the coming decade, and to suggest and prioritize the types of research efforts that might be most successful in answering the questions raised under each of those topics. REPORT MENU NOTICE A BRIEF TOUR OF BASIC PHENOMENA MEMBERSHIP SUMMARY After 35 years of measurements in space, and even longer periods of studying the PART I Sun, cosmic rays, and the ionosphere from the ground or from balloons, space physicists PART II have a reasonably complete description of the contents of the realm of space physics: CHAPTER 1 CHAPTER 2 CHAPTER 3 The Sun is typical of stars of its mass and age, with its energy generated deep CHAPTER 4 within by the conversion of light elements to heavier elements in a nuclear furnace.
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From page 21... ...
It is so hot that it is nearly completely ionized, existing in the fourth state of matter known as a plasma. At some places in the corona the magnetic field is organized into closed loops or bottles that confine the plasma, whereas at other places the field stretches out into space, allowing the outflow of plasma to form the solar wind.
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A magnetosphere absorbs varying amounts of mass, momentum, and energy from the solar wind to drive a variety of phenomena that cause disturbances to a planet's magnetic field, including auroral displays. On Earth, such intense magnetic storms can induce destructive electromotive forces in power grids, disrupt communications, and lead to radiation damage of Earth satellites.
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How is the solar corona heated, and how is the solar wind accelerated to the high speeds observed? How do changes in the solar wind affect the various planetary magnetospheres?
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Application to the Terrestrial Environment The fundamental physics of rarefied gases and plasmas has practical application to the problem of understanding the impact of solar processes on the terrestrial environment. A recent NRC study1 chaired by Judith Lean reached the following conclusions concerning solar influences on global change: file:///C|/SSB_old_web/strapart1.html (5 of 13)
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The effects of solar variability in the Earth's upper atmosphere may possibly couple to the biosphere. It is not known whether or not other types of variability in the Earth's near-space environment couple to the biosphere.
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Signals from communication satellites are similarly affected by severe geomagnetic activity. The variability of the Sun's radiation produces variable heating of the upper atmosphere, which results in increased satellite drag, and perhaps premature reentry.
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The economic impact of a four-hour major blackout in France was estimated to be $1 billion, while a somewhat longer major blackout of the Northeast section of the United States could result in a $3 billion to $6 billion loss.2 These problems are a consequence of geomagnetically induced currents that flow in the neutrals of grounded power transformers and lead to saturation of the core, with resulting transformer heating and failure. While there are numerous other examples, a clear trend has emerged: as technology advances, an increasing number of systems are affected by the highly variable space weather.3 Exploration There are several important regions of the solar system where the properties of plasmas and rarefied gases have not yet been determined.
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of the Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate also published reports during the 1980s-Solar-Terrestrial Research for the 1980's,6 and National Solar-Terrestrial Research Program7-that recommended science programs in solar and space physics for all federal agencies involved in such research, including ground-based as well as space-based activities. In addition, during the decade of the 1980s a number of other reports were produced that addressed specific issues or areas of solar and space physics, including upper atmospheric research, the Middle Atmosphere program, international cooperation, the Explorer program, data management, ground-based solar physics, and long-term solar-terrestrial observations.
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, science funding may be increasingly decided by "political pork" awarded to localities based on political rather than scientific goals. For these many reasons, the SSB asked the CSSP-CSTR to undertake the development of a new science strategy to assist science planning efforts for space physics.
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6. Geophysics Research Board, National Research Council, Solar-Terrestrial Research for the 1980's (Herbert Friedman and Devrie Intriligator, co-chairs)
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9. Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate and the Space Studies Board, National Research Council, A Space Physics Paradox: Why Has Increased Funding Been Accompanied by Decreased Effectiveness in the Conduct of Space Physics Research?
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