The
near-Earth environment is a wonderful natural laboratory for studying fundamental phenomena in the physics of plasmas (ionised gases). In this region, the magnetic fields and particles of the solar wind interact with the magnetism of Earth and its atmosphere, resulting in a variety of effects. These include the formation of the terrestrial magnetosphere (the magnetic 'bubble' around Earth), and links from this to the Earth's upper atmosphere, giving rise to ionospheric currents and the aurora. Our scientists study these phenomena using space-based and ground-based instruments.
RAL Space Near-Earth environment projects:
For more information please contact: RAL Space Enquiries
