From Large to Small Scales and Back: Integrating Observations, Modeling, and Laboratory Experiments of Heliophysics

A key aspect of research in NASA’s Heliophysics Division is understanding what causes solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and how Earth’s magnetic environment (the magnetosphere) responds when the energetic radiation and superheated plasma produced during these events impinge upon it. The relevant science questions span the entirety of space plasma physics and are of great importance to the nation and the world through their relation to space weather. Therefore, heliophysics research, including the connection between dynamics on the Sun and its impact on Earth, is of fundamental scientific and practical importance. We will address some of the key themes in Heliophysics by studying large-scale dynamics, how it drives small-scale physical processes, and how these small-scale processes conspire to again impact dynamics at the large scale. Our study will be organized by the following questions: (1) How is energy stored, transported, and ultimately released at large spatial scales during solar eruptions? (2) How does large-scale dynamics transfer its energy to small-scale structures and how is that energy ultimately converted at the smallest (kinetic) scales in heliophysical plasmas, i.e., at the scale of a particle’s gyration and below? (3) How do kinetic-scale processes feed back on large-scale heliophysical systems? We will address these questions using a broad suite of techniques employed by the WVU space plasma physics program – solar and magnetospheric observations and analysis using a variety of missions from the NASA Heliophysics System Observatory, simulations from the solar interior to its atmosphere using global fluid models, global radiation belt diffusion codes with powerful 3D capabilities, state-of-the-art small-scale kinetic particle-in-cell (PIC) and test-particle simulations, and unique heliophysics-relevant laboratory experiments native to WVU with the capability to measure kinetic physics in plasmas. This project addresses some of the key questions in heliophysics using a novel integrated approach. All three questions listed above are at the cutting edge of heliophysics research, and the tools in use are at the forefront in the field. The projects each address important fundamental physics questions, and also are relevant to space weather. Moreover, a key goal of the NASA EPSCoR Program is building infrastructure to enhance capabilities in EPSCoR states. The WVU solar and space plasma physics program recently expanded with the addition of a tenure-track faculty member and two research scientists. The proposed project builds new connections between new and continuing researchers in complementary areas that will create the infrastructure necessary to be competitive for future funding opportunities (for individual research programs and center-level research programs), will create a strong environment for training students in, and recruiting students to, space plasma physics, and will support the burgeoning space-related capabilities in the state of West Virginia. Research Areas of Interests: Solar Eruptions, Reconnection, Coronal Heating, Radiation Belts, Wave Particle Interactions NASA Mission Directorate: Science Mission Directorate (SMD) NASA Center: Heliophysics Division

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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