An overview of the solar-terrestrial environment

Abstract

An overview of the solar-terrestrial environment is presented. First, we review the early historical development of solar-terrestrial science, and introduce our current view of the Sun, solar wind, magnetosphere-ionosphere- thermosphere, geomagnetism and geomagnetic storms/substorms, aurora, planets and comets, and cosmic rays. The Sun-Earth relation is discussed. In addition to solar influence, the Earth's environment is impacted by cosmic rays of galactic origin and other cosmic sources such as sporadic gamma-ray bursts from magnetars. The solar-terrestrial environment is highly dynamic, dominated by a wealth of complex phenomena involving waves, instabilities, and turbulence. The study of the solar-terrestrial environment is essential to improve our ability to monitor and forecast space weather and space climate, and contributes significantly to the development of plasma astrophysics and controlled thermonuclear fusion. © 2007 Springer-Verlag.