Science and applications of the space environment: new results and interdisciplinary connections

This is a theme issue organised and edited by Dr AJ Coates, Professor JCR Hunt FRS and Professor JL Culhane FRS

Please find below a summary of the latest issue of The Royal Society”s Philosophical Transactions A. The 25 papers in this issue can be found on FirstCite, the Society”s rapid online publication service at http://www.catchword.com/rsl/1364503X/previews/contp1-1.htm

Philosophical Transactions A, which is devoted to the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences, is published by the Royal Society but the papers featured in this publication do not reflect the Society”s views or policies. Passwords for this site can be supplied to bona fide media on request.

This theme issue illustrates that the space environment field is a naturally multidisciplinary one. The topics of the original meeting, and of this theme issue, spanned Earth and planetary observation, Sun-Earth connections and space weather, hazard warning and forecasting for Earth and space, and space technology. In each case, science is linked with applications – and with engineering and industrial interests too.

In Earth and planetary observation, Fred Taylor looks at the stratosphere of Earth – the region where the life-protecting ozone layer is present – and compares with features which have both similarities and differences at Venus and Mars. In particular he considers global warming and cooling. Other papers look particularly at new information that can be gained from remote sensing of the sea.

In Sun-Earth connections and space weather, reviews from Richard Harrison, Joanna Haigh and Stan Cowley look at short-term effects due to solar activity, the effects of long-term variability on Earth’s climate, and the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere system respectively. Each of these provides a useful overview of these vibrant fields, taking us to the current state of knowledge. Other papers introduce new ideas and novel data analysis techniques.

In hazard warning and forecasting, Geoff Wadge looks at volcano observation from space and how a global satellite programme could improve volcano models. Richard Crowther looks at the growing threat of space debris. Other papers look at potential earthquake monitoring and at meteor prediction.

In the space technology section, Pat Norris looks at software in space and ground systems, as well as recent trends to make missions more affordable. Other papers consider radiation effects and micro- and nano-satellites.

The issue contains several new results and insights, as well as reviews of these cutting edge areas. It is clear from this issue that a start is being made in forging several exciting new links between disciplines as communications between fields develop.
 

Peer reviewed publication and references

Philosophical Transactions A, which is devoted to the mathematical, physical and engineering sciences, is published by the Royal Society but the papers featured in this publication do not reflect the Society”s views or policies.

 
Reference URL : http://www.pubs.royalsoc.ac.uk