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Physics FAQ
last update: Feb 01, 2008 04:13 PM
What is Space Physics?
Space Physics is the study of near earth space. This includes a whole range of studies, including Earth Magnetospherics, Aurora, VLF and others.
What is Aurora?
Aurora is the luminous displays seen near the poles caused by atomic particles colliding with the earth's atmosphere.
What causes Aurora?
Aurora are caused when atomic particles collide with the atoms in the earths atmosphere. The atomic particles originate from the Sun and travel to the earth as part of the solar wind. The solar winds interacts with the earths magnetic field, this causes some particles to be trapped by the earths magnetic field. Normally these particles travel back and forth along the magnetic field lines (spiralling around the field line), bouncing before colliding with the earth's atmosphere. When a particle interacts with a VLF wave (see below) it can penetrate the atmosphere, thus interacting with the atoms that form the atmosphere and thus giving of energy in the form of light.
Where can I see Aurora?
Due to the shape of the earths magnetic field, Aurora are usually only seen near the earth's Magnetic poles.
How do people study Aurora?
Aurora are studied using advanced imaging equipment, radar and satellites.
Why do people study Aurora?
Aurora are one visible and measureable way of infering what is happening out in space.
What is VLF?
VLF are Very Low Frequency electomagnetic waves that are originated on earth and that also travel along the earth's magnetic field lines.
How is it caused?
VLF are caused by a number factors like Lightning strikes.
How and why do people study VLF?
VLF are measured and recorded on measurement devices called Goniometers. These measure the amplitude, phase and direction that these waves are detected in relation to the antenna.
How does VLF help cause Aurora?
VLF and the solar wind particles (mentioned above) both travel along the earths magentic field lines. When a VLF wave passes a particle in the opposite direction, and the particle has an angular frequency of rotation around the magnetic field lines as the frequency of the VLF wave, a reletavistic energy transfer takes place from the wave to the particles. The increased energy causes the particle to penetrate the atmosphere instead of bouncing short, hence causing the Aurora.
What satelites are used in Space Physics research?
There are a number of satellites that are used in Space Physics research, measuring a variety of different aspects.
