Project Type

group

Authors' Class Standing

Miles Bengtson, Junior Roxanna Stein, Freshman Sara Rosborough, Junior

Lead Presenter's Name

Miles Bengtson

Faculty Mentor Name

Dr. Anatoly Streltsov

Abstract

The Van Allen Radiation Belt is a region in space populated with high-energy, electrically-charged particles trapped in earth’s magnetic field. These particles constitute a danger to spacecraft in low-earth orbit, including the ISS and its crew. Solar storms and high-altitude nuclear explosions can increase the number of particles in the radiation belt by a factor of 100, rendering many important defense and communications satellites inoperable. It is of national security interest to develop a physical understanding of remediation of energetic particles from space. One possible method to achieve this is to use electromagnetic whistler-mode waves. Using data from the Van Allen Probes, we have conducted a preliminary analysis to validate simulations developed by Dr. Anatoly Streltsov which describe the propagation of whistler waves in space. Over the next year, we plan to further validate the models. This poster will present advances in whistler-wave physics which have important applications to future projects of launching whistlers into the radiation belt.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

Yes

Share

COinS
 

Whistler Waves in the Radiation Belt

The Van Allen Radiation Belt is a region in space populated with high-energy, electrically-charged particles trapped in earth’s magnetic field. These particles constitute a danger to spacecraft in low-earth orbit, including the ISS and its crew. Solar storms and high-altitude nuclear explosions can increase the number of particles in the radiation belt by a factor of 100, rendering many important defense and communications satellites inoperable. It is of national security interest to develop a physical understanding of remediation of energetic particles from space. One possible method to achieve this is to use electromagnetic whistler-mode waves. Using data from the Van Allen Probes, we have conducted a preliminary analysis to validate simulations developed by Dr. Anatoly Streltsov which describe the propagation of whistler waves in space. Over the next year, we plan to further validate the models. This poster will present advances in whistler-wave physics which have important applications to future projects of launching whistlers into the radiation belt.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.