Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 44. Existing models of the plasma distribution and dynamics in magnetosphere / ionosphere systems form a patchwork quilt of different techniques and boundaries chosen to define tractable problems. With increasing sophistication in both observational and modeling techniques has come the desire to overcome these limitations and strive for a more unified description of these systems. On the observational side, we have recently acquired routine access to diagnostic information on the lowest energy bulk plasma, completing our view of the plasma and making possible comparisons with magnetohydrodynamic calculations of plasma moments. On the theoretical side, rising computational capabilities and shrewdly designed computational techniques have permitted the first attacks on the global structure of the magnetosphere. Similar advances in the modeling of neutral atmospheric circulation suggest an emergent capability to globally treat the coupling between plasma and neutral gases. Simultaneously, computer simulation has proven to be a very useful tool for understanding magnetospheric behaviors on smaller space and time scales.

A valuable reference work for those doing research in magnetospheric physics and related disciplines.

The aim of this book is twofold: to provide an introduction for newcomers to state of the art computer simulation techniques in space plasma physics and an overview of current developments. Computer simulation has reached a stage where it can be a highly useful tool for guiding theory and for making predictions of space plasma phenomena, ranging from microscopic to global scales. The various articles are arranged, as much as possible, according to the - derlying simulation technique, starting with the technique that makes the least number of assumptions: a fully kinetic approach which solves the coupled set of Maxwell’s equations for the electromagnetic ?eld and the equations of motion for a very large number of charged particles (electrons and ions) in this ?eld. Clearly, this is also the computationally most demanding model. Therefore, even with present day high performance computers, it is the most restrictive in terms of the space and time domain and the range of particle parameters that can be covered by the simulation experiments. It still makes sense, therefore, to also use models, which due to their simp- fying assumptions, seem less realistic, although the e?ect of these assumptions on the outcome of the simulation experiments needs to be carefully assessed.

The inner magnetosphere plasma is a very unique composition of different plasma particles and waves. It covers a huge energy plasma range with spatial and time variations of many orders of magnitude. In such a situation, the kinetic approach is the key element, and the starting point of the theoretical description of this plasma phenomena which requires a dedicated book to this particular area of research.

Exploring the processes and phenomena of Earth's dayside magnetosphere Energy and momentum transfer, initially taking place at the dayside magnetopause, is responsible for a variety of phenomenon that we can measure on the ground. Data obtained from observations of Earth’s dayside magnetosphere increases our knowledge of the processes by which solar wind mass, momentum, and energy enter the magnetosphere. Dayside Magnetosphere Interactions outlines the physics and processes of dayside magnetospheric phenomena, the role of solar wind in generating ultra-low frequency waves, and solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Volume highlights include: Phenomena across different temporal and spatial scales Discussions on dayside aurora, plume dynamics, and related dayside reconnection Results from spacecraft observations, ground-based observations, and simulations Discoveries from the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission and Van Allen Probes era Exploration of foreshock, bow shock, magnetosheath, magnetopause, and cusps Examination of similar processes occurring around other planets The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about this book from this Q&A with the editors

An overview of current knowledge and future research directions in magnetospheric physics In the six decades since the term 'magnetosphere' was first introduced, much has been theorized and discovered about the magnetized space surrounding each of the bodies in our solar system. Each magnetosphere is unique yet behaves according to universal physical processes. Magnetospheres in the Solar System brings together contributions from experimentalists, theoreticians, and numerical modelers to present an overview of diverse magnetospheres, from the mini-magnetospheres of Mercury to the giant planetary magnetospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. Volume highlights include: Concise history of magnetospheres, basic principles, and equations Overview of the fundamental processes that govern magnetospheric physics Tools and techniques used to investigate magnetospheric processes Special focus on Earth’s magnetosphere and its dynamics Coverage of planetary magnetic fields and magnetospheres throughout the solar system Identification of future research directions in magnetospheric physics The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about the Space Physics and Aeronomy collection in this Q&A with the Editors in Chief