Modelling magnetosphere-atmosphere interactions

Space Weather is driven by large-scale eruptions from the Sun called coronal mass ejections.

Upon arrival at the Earth, these produce amazing auroral displays but also endanger satellites and disrupt communication signals.

Accurately modelling magnetosphere-atmosphere energy transfers is important to understanding the evolution of planetary atmospheres as well as developing real-world space weather forecasts.

Through collaboration with QinetiQ, this project will develop state-of-the-art plasma simulations to probe magnetosphere-atmosphere interactions during solar storms, with application to characterising their technological impacts as well as to understanding Earth-like exoplanets subjected to different star-planet interactions.