Basic Space Plasma Physics

Abstract

The preface of Basic Space Plasma Physics begins with the question, “One more textbook on plasma physics?” This is insightful of the authors, since that question came to my mind when I was asked to review the book. Space plasma physics, as the term implies, deals with the properties of the plasmas found in various regions of space, such as planetary ionospheres, magnetospheres, and the solar wind. Given the vast differences between the plasma parameters inspace and laboratories, it is natural to focus on the behavior of one or another type of plasma depending on one's needs and goals.