This volume gives a broad synthesis of the current knowledge and understanding of the plasma physics behind the aurora. The aurora is not only one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth, but the underlying physical processes are expected to be ubiquitous in the plasma universe. Recognizing the enormous progress made over the last decade) through in situ and groundbased measurements as well as theoretical modelling, it seemed timely to write the first comprehensive and integrated book on the subject. Recent advances concern the clarification of the nature of the acceleration process of the electrons that are responsible for the visible aurora, the recognition of the fundamental role of the large-scale current systems in organizing the auroral morphology, and of the interplay between particles and electromagnetic fields.

This volume surveys our current scientific understanding of the terrestrial aurora. It is organized into eleven reviews detailing theoretical and observational aspects of characteristic auroral morphologies, and how these in turn are organized according to local time, latitude, and activity level. Popular descriptions often attribute the aurora to the interaction of charged particles from the solar wind with atoms in the upper atmosphere. In fact, most auroras are not the result of direct entry of solar wind particles. Rather, as detailed in this volume, auroral particle acceleration and generation of auroral forms occur primarily within the magnetosphere. Importantly, many key aspects of the aurora – most notably, the physical mechanisms responsible for the generation of discrete arcs – are still unexplained, and auroral physics continues to be an active area of scientific research. Each review chapter therefore includes a summary of open questions for further investigation. Providing the first comprehensive review of the terrestrial aurora in two decades, this book will aid both active researchers and newcomers interested in understanding the current state of the field. Previously published Space Science Reviews in the Topical Collection "Auroral Physics”

Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace presents a comprehensive examination of the self-consistent processes leading to multiscale electromagnetic and plasma structures in the magnetosphere and ionosphere near the plasmapause, particularly in the auroral and subauroral geospace. It utilizes simulations and a large number of relevant in situ measurements conducted by the most recent satellite missions, as well as ground-based optical and radar observations to verify the conclusions and analysis. Including several case studies of observations related to prominent geospacer events, the book also provides experimental and numerical results throughout the chapters to further enhance understanding of how the same physical mechanisms produce different phenomena at different regions of the near-Earth space environment. Additionally, the comprehensive description of mechanisms responsible for space weather effects will give readers a broad foundation of wave and particle processes in the near-Earth magnetosphere. As such, Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace Nonlinear Wave and Plasma Structures in the Auroral and Subauroral Geospace is a cutting-edge reference for space physicists looking to better understand plasma physics in geospace. - Presents a unified approach to wave and particle phenomena occurring in the auroral and subauroral geospace - Summarizes the most current theoretical concepts related to the generation of the large-scale electric field near the plasmapause by flows of hot plasma from the reconnection site - Includes case studies of the observations related to the most "famous events during the last 20 years as well as a large number of experimental and numerical results illustrated throughout the text

This volume, which was first published in 1991, presents a comprehensive review of all aspects of the physics of the aurorae australis and borealis. The broad topics covered relate to the different sections of a conference held in Cambridge to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Professor Sydney Chapman, FRS, who can be considered the founder of the subject in its modern form. Contributions from an international group of experts in the field discuss the physical causes and effects of the aurorae, the nightly show of dancing lights in the atmosphere, at heights above 100 km. The book is aimed primarily at students and researchers in auroral physics, but will also be of interest to magnetospheric, ionospheric and atomospheric physicists.

Advanced undergraduate/beginning graduate text on space and laboratory plasma physics.

Designed to teach plasma physics and astrophysics 'from the ground up', this textbook proceeds from the simplest examples through a careful derivation of results and encourages the reader to think for themselves.

How did electrons in the high atmosphere and space around the Earth come to acquire their speeds and energies? This intriguing question lies at the heart of understanding how high-energy electrons create the spectacular displays of the ^IAurora Borealis and ^IAurora Australis. Electron Acceleration in the Aurora and Beyond explores the mysteries of these phenomena and others involving the acceleration of electrons in the magnetosphere, in the solar wind, at the Sun and in the Cosmos. This book presents a new approach to understanding this fascinating subject by treating the acceleration medium as a plasma. Using this new insight we can see that electron acceleration may well be caused by waves rather than steady potential differences. This unique approach is clearly explained in a lively and engaging style. Quantitative formulae, experiments, practical demonstrations and computer programs enable us to investigate for ourselves how the model works. The theory is further illustrated by comparing acceleration in space with particle accelerators in the nuclear physics laboratory (and even on the sports field!) Questions and exercises with answers are supplied to stimulate further thinking. ^IElectron Acceleration in the Aurora and Beyond is a thought-provoking book for graduate and post-doctoral space scientists.