Ithaca College

Physics Department Fall Seminar Series
Tuesday, October 26th:
Join us for a talk on:
Remote Sensing of the Global Ionospheric-Magnetospheric
Current System

In addition to radiation, a continuous radial flow of plasma known as the solar wind emanates from the Sun. The interaction of the solar wind with the terrestrial magnetic field results in the formation of the magnetosphere, which is compressed on the dayside and has an elongated tail on the nightside. In general, the flow of energy proceeds from the solar wind through the magnetospheric boundary to lower altitudes with much of this energy being deposited into the high-latitude ionosphere located approximately 100 km above the Earth. Associated with this transfer of energy are electric currents, which flow along the converging terrestrial magnetic field lines coupling the vast regions of the magnetosphere to the high-latitude ionosphere. It is the convergent nature of the
earth's magnetic field that makes remote sensing of magnetospheric processes through global observations of the ionosphere possible. Using ultraviolet satellite imagery and ground-based radar observations, we determine the global ionospheric current flow. We assess the determination of the currents using independent measurements.

All seminars will be held in CNS 204 at 12:10 (unless otherwise indicated). Pizza and refreshments will be available for $1. Remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - Please bring your own cup.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact the Physics Department at jackerman@ithaca.edu. We ask that requests for accommodations be made as soon as possible.