Understanding and Harnessing the Dual Electrostatic/Electromagnetic Character of Plasma Turbulence in the Near-Earth Space Environment

Abstract

The ability to morph electrostatic plasma turbulence into electromagnetic has promising applications, including the possibility of actively influencing the near-Earth plasma state, aka the space weather. This dual (electrostatic/electromagnetic) nature is a fundamental property of plasma turbulence, which has not been well explored but could explain many phenomena including the formation of a resonant cavity that can amplify the turbulence energy. The upcoming Space Measurement of A Rocket-Released Turbulence (SMART) mission is designed to understand the evolution of plasma turbulence and the nonlocal consequences of its dual nature. This includes the flow of energy into all possible wavelengths, as well as the transport of energy over a large geographical volume. The resulting energy redistribution in both waves and particles in an extended geographical volume creates a unique electromagnetic environment, which is important for space weather.