Incorporating Statistical Analysis of the Extensive SAMPEX Dataset to Improve Space Weather Modelling

The Van Allen Radiation Belts are a very dynamic region of space, occupying the region between a few hundred to many tens of thousands of km above the Earth’s surface. Hundreds of commercial, scientific and military satellites occupy this region of space and are therefore vulnerable to the damaging effects of the highly energetic charged particles within it. Understanding, to the point of predictability via radiation belt models, the dynamics of the Van Allen belts, is essential for protecting future infrastructure, which increasingly relies on satellite-based technology. This project seeks to combine several new analysis techniques from both the UK and Canada, to shed new light on long-term spacecraft data. This will provide a platform for a deeper understanding of radiation belt dynamics over an extended period of time, improving current models and therefore increasing our capacity to predict future behaviour.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ian Mann

Student:

Partner:

University College London

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Alberta

Program: