Physics of the inner heliosphere

The Sun creates the solar wind, which fills interplanetary space and carries with it a magnetic field. Interactions of the magnetic field and plasma with the Earth create space weather effects which have significant societal consequences. Study of the solar wind therefore informs us about fundamental plasma physics, the dynamics of stellar winds, and also how the Sun affects us on Earth.

In this project, data from Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter will be used to study fundamental aspects of the solar wind such as the origins and evolution of small scale structures; the large scale structure of the heliospheric magnetic field; and the evolution of the heliosphere over the solar cycle.