ESS 7 An Introduction to Space Weather Fall, 2008 Raymond J. Walker

What is Science? Not a collection of facts! A way of thinking critically and quantitatively to solve problems! An important skill no matter what your path in life. Mathematics is the language of science. We will learn about science by examining how the environment of space effects the Earth and therefore us.

What are the Goals of ESS 7? Introduce you the exciting field of space weather. Develop and hone skills in –Critical thinking –Problem solving –Technical communication Learn and develop scientific thinking skills.

Class Information Professor Ray Walker –6843 Slichter Hall Office Hours: MWF at 10:30AM-11:30AM or by appointment. TA: Megan Cartwright

Class Information Continued Text book –“An Introduction to Space Weather” by Mark Moldwin Lecture notes – _fall/Lessons.htm Grading: –Homework 25% - Due one week after assigned. Due one week after assigned Late homework worth 50% –Two midterms 20% each –Final 35%

What is Space Weather? “Space weather” refers to conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems and can endanger human life or health. Adverse conditions in the space environment can cause disruptions of satellite operations, communications, navigation, and electric power distribution grids, leading to a variety of socioeconomic losses.” National Space Weather Program Strategic Plan, 1995 Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorological Services and Supporting Research.

Why Bother? Space physics started as curiosity driven science - to explore the ionosphere, magnetosphere, Sun and heliosphere. In the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s we started to use the regions above the neutral atmosphere – communications, weather forecasting, navigation etc. As early as the 1960’s humans began to go into space.

The Example of Galaxy IV? Space is a very hostile environment. In the 1990’s the commercial satellite industry boomed – by 2000 making and launching the satellites was a $100X10 9 per year business. Galaxy IV was an operating and profitable communications satellite. –90% of pager traffic –Several broadcast networks – NPR (radio), CBS (television)

May 19, 1998 Galaxy IV failed. It had been in an intense radiation environment for weeks due to a series of magnetic storms. It was killed by radiation effects related to the storms.

A More Down to Earth Example Area affected by black out.

Syllabus Date LectureAssignment 9/26Introduction to Space WeatherRead Chapter 1 9/29History Read Chapter 2 – HW 1 10/1The Sun 10/3The Sun 10/6The SunRead Chapter 3 – HW 2 10/8The Heliosphere 10/10The Heliosphere 10/13The HeliosphereRead Chapter 4 - HW 3 10/15Review for First Exam 10/17First Exam

Syllabus DateLectureAssignment 10/20Bow Shock and Magnetosheath 10/22Magnetosphere 10/24Magnetosphere 10/27Magnetosphere 10/29 SubstormsRead Chapter 5 - HW 5 10/31Storms 11/3Atmosphere 11/5Ionosphere 11/7Review Second Exam 11/10 Second Exam

Syllabus DateLectureAssignment 11/12AuroraRead Chapter 6 - HW 6 11/14Technology and Space Weather 11/17Technology and Space Weather 11/24Technology and Space WeatherRead Chapter 7 - HW 7 11/26Planets 11/28Holiday 12/1Humans in Space 12/3Humans in Space 12/5Review for Final