FYS4600 – Space Physics and Technology

Course content

This course provides an overview of the plasma environment around the Earth, its dynamic processes, and describes how we can use satellites and sounding rockets to study phenomena and processes. The course introduces fundamental concepts like the solar wind, the coupling of magnetic flux, the Dungey cycle, and explains the coupling between the Sun and the magnetosphere, the ionosphere, and the upper atmosphere. In addition, the course gives an insight into the interaction between plasmas and satellites/sounding rockets and sheds light on the challenges associated with measurements made on board satellites and rockets.

Learning outcome

After having completed this course, you:

  • possess a theoretical background allowing you to describe basic plasma parameters, principles of plasma dynamics, and selected types of waves.
  • know the p