Research and projects

Past and current student projects can be found here.

Magnetic reconnection Using a combination of large-scale kinetic particle-in-cell simulations and in situ data from NASA’s magnetospheric MultiScale (MMS) mission, we explore the physics of magnetic reconnection in the Earth’s magnetosphere. Read more here.

Global magnetosphere modelling and space weather Using global magnetosphere MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) simulations, we explore how the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere are affected by the Sun. We are currently developing the capability to deliver space weather forecasts to alert society in the advent of severe space weather activity.

Plasma heating and acceleration Magnetic reconnection is an energy conversion process, wherein energy stored in the magnetic field is released, often explosively, into thermal and kinetic energy of the plasma. This energy conversion can occur in many different steps and locations that are connected in a complex manner. To understand the effect of magnetic reconnection on our space environment, for example how various plasma environments are formed and maintained, we explore the plasma energization during magnetic reconnection.

Image: NIPR EISCAT_3D and space weather EISCAT_3D is a new radar system currently being built with sites distributed in northern Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The new system will be a world-leading radar facility providing observations of the upper atmosphere and near-Earth space. In a project beginning in October 2022, we will investigate how the new capabilities of EISCAT_3D can be utilized for space weather applications in the Arctic region. The project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and we will in particular assess how EISCAT_3D can contribute to ESA’s Space Weather Service Network data products and services.