The phenomena of space physics are complex and their understanding often requires the integration of different concepts. To help the beginner, this book uses a new methodolo- gical approach. The first chapters introduce simple concepts of plasma physics and describe where these can be applied in space physics. Subsequent chapters are devoted to more complex observations, interpreted in terms of the concepts introduced earlier. New, more difficult, concepts are introduced as they are required. Thus observations and physical concepts are interwoven to give basic explanations of phenomena and also show the limitations in these explanations and identify some fundamental questions. This second edition has been updated and extended. Improvements include: the use of SI units; addition of recent results from SOHO and Ulysses; improved treatment of the magnetosphere as a dynamic phenomenon; text restructured to provide a closer coupling between basic physical concepts and observed complex phenomena.

Klappentext

Observations and physical concepts are interwoven to give basic explanations of phenomena and also show the limitations in these explanations and identify some fundamental questions.

Compared to conventional plasma physics textbooks this book focuses on the concepts relevant in the large-scale space plasmas. It combines basic concepts with current research and new observations in interplanetary space and in the magnetospheres.

Graduate students and young researchers starting to work in this special field of science, will find the numerous references to review articles as well as important original papers helpful to orientate themselves in the literature.

Emphasis is on energetic particles and their interaction with the plasma as examples for non-thermal phenomena, shocks and their role in particle acceleration as examples for non-linear phenomena.

This second edition has been updated and extended. Improvements include: the use of SI units; addition of recent results from SOHO and Ulysses; improved treatment of the magnetosphere as a dynamic phenomenon; text restructured to provide a closer coupling between basic physical concepts and observed complex phenomena.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Charged Particles in Electromagnetic Fields.- 3. Magnetohydrodynamics.- 4. Plasma Waves.- 5. Kinetic Theory.- 6. Sun and Solar Wind: Plasmas in the Heliosphere.- 7. Energetic Particles in the Heliosphere.- 8. The Terrestrial Magnetosphere.- 9. Planetary Magnetospheres.- 10. Solar-Terrestrial Relationships.- 11. Instrumentation.- A.1 List of Symbols.- A.2 Useful Equations in the SI and cgs System.- A.3 Useful Relations.- A.3.1 Vector Calculus.- A.3.2 Cylindrical Coordinates.- A.3.3 Spherical Coordinates.- A.4 Useful Numbers.- A.4.1 Fundamental Constants.- A.4.2 Numbers in Plasmas.- References.