Space Physics

Primary Current Research Efforts of Rice SPA Faculty

David Alexander

Particle acceleration and transport in solar flares

Prominence dynamics, activity, and eruption

Reconstruction of 3D coronal magnetic field

Emergence of sunspot magnetic fields and coronal helicity injection

Anthony Chan

Theory and simulations of radiation belt dynamics

Quasilinear theory and wave-particle interactions

Links above have complete descriptions of ongoing research programs

Examples of SPA research at Rice:

Magnetic field lines and surfaces of constant plasma pressure in Earth's magnetosphere, calculated using the RCM-Friction code (a version of the Rice Convection Model which has been merged with a magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium code).		A composite image showing a fast coronal mass ejection (from SOHO/LASCO) and a He 304 image (from SOHO/EIT). Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are the most energetic phenomena in the solar system and a major source of Space Weather.