Space & Planetary Sciences
Aeronomy
The term “aeronomy,” coined and introduced about 60 years ago, refers to the scientific study of the upper atmospheric regions of the Earth and other solar system bodies. It covers the chemistry, dynamics and energy balance of both neutral and charged particles. Thus, it requires a thorough knowledge of the basic concepts of the physics and chemistry of low density gases and plasmas. It also addresses the relevant coupling processes from above (magnetosphere) and below (mesosphere) this region of interest. Another way of thinking about aeronomy is that it is the study of the “transition region” between the lower atmosphere and space.
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High Energy Density Physics / Laboratory Astrophysics
CLaSP faculty members do experiments that produce high energy density conditions and who model such systems using complex computer codes. Simply put, CLaSP scientists use big lasers and big computers to explore how stars explode.
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Magnetospheric-Ionosphere-Thermosphere Physics
In CLaSP, research on magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere physics includes experimental, data analysis, and numerical studies on a wide range of topics within this field.
Learn MoreNumerical Methods & Scientific Computing
In CLaSP, we investigate modern numerical techniques that are suitable for weather and climate models, remote sensing and statistical applications. We develop and improve numerical schemes for partial differential equations on the sphere and collaborate closely with US modeling centers like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), NASA or NOAA laboratories like the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL).
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Planetary Atmospheres
In CLaSP, research on planetary atmospheres involves using measurements from various spacecraft missions to characterize the structure and dynamics of the atmospheric environments and to compare them to one another.
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Planetary Magnetospheres
Researchers in CLaSP are studying planetary magnetosphere by building instruments for and participating in a range of NASA and ESA missions as well as using state-of-the-art numerical modeling.
Learn MoreRadiative Transfer, Remote Sensing & Instrumentation
In CLaSP, our research addresses (1) testing modeled climate feedbacks using satellite and GPS radio data, (2) comparisons of radiative fluxes and cloud radiative forcings with satellite data and Atmospheric General Circulation Models and (3) radiative effects of ice clouds on atmospheric transport processes.
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Solar & Heliospheric Physics
CLaSP research spans development and operation of spacecraft sensors, including five sensors on three spacecraft; data analysis and modeling of the solar and heliospheric magnetic field, solar atmosphere, solar wind and CME propagation, and interactions with planetary environments; and solar and heliospheric theory that concentrates on solar magnetic field, solar wind, and the evolution of the Sun over the solar cycle.
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Space Weather
In CLaSP, scientists are developing high-performance, first-principles based computational models to describe and predict hazardous conditions in the near-Earth space environment extending from the sun to the ionosphere. To achieve predictive capability, the models run considerably faster than real time on mid-size parallel computers.
Learn MoreStatistical Methods & Data Assimilation
Research at CLaSP involves both the development of new data assimilation techniques, as well as use of proven statistical methods. We evaluate models, produce optimally merged model and observation datasets, and prepare for future satellite platforms.
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Space Science Missions
Climate & Space faculty, students and engineers have been actively involved in space science missions since 1946.
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