The present 15th volume of the ISSI Space Science Series is devoted to Auroral Plasma Physics. The aurora is arguably the most intriguing phenomenon in space plasma physics. Not only is it the most spectacular manifestation of the Sun-Earth connection chain, but the underlying plasma processes are expected to be ubiqui tous in the plasma universe. Recognizing the enormous progress made over the last decade in the understanding of the physics of the auroral acceleration processes, it seemed timely to write a comprehensive and integrated book on the subject. Re cent advances concern the clarification of the nature of the acceleration process of the electrons that are responsible for the visible aurora, the recognition of the fundamental role of the large-scale current systems in organizing the auroral mor phology, and of the interplay between particles and electromagnetic fields. The project began in March 1999, as a natural follow-up of the project on Magnetospheric Plasma Sources and Losses that resulted in volume 6 of this se ries, with a planning meeting by a core-group that coordinated the project. The group consisted of J. E. Borovsky, Los Alamos National Laboratory; C. W. Carl son, University of California, Berkeley; G. Haerendel, Max-Planck-Institut fur ex traterrestrische Physik, Garching; B. Hultqvist, Swedish Intitute ofSpace Physics, H. E. J. Koskinen, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki; W. Lotko, Kiruna; Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire; K. A. Lynch, University of New Hampshire, Durham and G. Marklund, Royal Institute ofTechnology, Stockholm. G. Paschmann, ISSI, Bern, was the project leader.

Klappentext

This volume gives a broad synthesis of the current knowledge and understanding of the plasma physics behind the aurora. The aurora is not only one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth, but the underlying physical processes are expected to be ubiquitous in the plasma universe. Recognizing the enormous progress made over the last decade) through in situ and groundbased measurements as well as theoretical modelling, it seemed timely to write the first comprehensive and integrated book on the subject. Recent advances concern the clarification of the nature of the acceleration process of the electrons that are responsible for the visible aurora, the recognition of the fundamental role of the large-scale current systems in organizing the auroral morphology, and of the interplay between particles and electromagnetic fields.

Zusammenfassung
Gives a broad synthesis of the knowledge and understanding of the plasma physics behind the aurora, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. This book talks about the recognition of the fundamental role of the large-scale systems in organizing the auroral morphology, and of the interplay between particles and electromagnetic fields.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 1.1 Visible Aurorae.- 1.2 Ionospheric Framework.- 1.3 Magnetospheric Framework.- 1.4 Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling.- 1.5 Large Scale Magnetospheric Flows and Dynamics.- 1.6 An Overview of the Book.- 2. Remote Sensing of Auroral Arcs.- 2.1 Quiet Auroral Arc.- 2.2 Diffuse and Pulsating Aurora.- 2.3 Proper Motion of Auroral Arcs.- 2.4 Physical Characteristics.- 2.5 Auroral Morphology.- 2.6 Distortions in Auroral Arcs.- 2.7 Black Aurora.- 3. Theoretical Building Blocks.- 3.1 The Conducting Ionosphere.- 3.2 Magnetospheric Current Sources.- 3.3 Parallel Electric Fields.- 3.4 Dynamic Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling.- 3.5 Wave-Particle Interactions.- 4. In Situ Measurements in the Auroral Plasma.- 4.1 Upward Current Region Processes.- 4.2 Downward Current Region Processes.- 4.3 Waves and Radiation.- 4.4 Time-Dependent Alfvénic Processes.- 4.5 Specific Regions.- 5. Statistics and Mapping of Auroral Features.- 5.1 Statistical and Empirical Studies of Auroral Distributions.- 5.2 Mapping Auroral Features to the Magnetosphere.- 6. ELECTRODYNAMICS OF AURORAL FORMS.- 6.1 Eveningside Discrete Arcs.- 6.2 Westward Traveling Surge.- 6.3 Omega Bands.- 6.4 Auroral Streamers.- 6.5 Polar Cap Aurora.- 7. Theoretical Models.- 7.1 Static E? Models.- 7.2 Boundary Layer Coupling to the Ionosphere.- 7.3 Current and Voltage Generators.- 7.4 Resonant Alfvén Waves.- 7.5 Propagating Arc Models.- 7.6 Transient Acceleration.- 7.8 Essential Elements of an Integrated Theory.- 8 DYNAMIC COUPLING TO THE MAGNETOSPHERE.- 8.1 Magnetosphere as an Auroral Precipitation Source.- 8.2 Magnetospheric Energy Circulation.- 8.3 Magnetospheric Control.- 8.4 Ionospheric Control.- 8.5 Open Issues.- 9. The Aurora as a Universal Phenomenon.- 9.1 Aurora on Other Planets.- 9.2 Auroral Accelerationin Astrophysical Objects.- References.- Author Addresses.