Virtual Workshops at APL

Sun-Earth Connections Virtual Conference Series

Grand Challenge Issues and Critical Underlying Processes in Sun-Earth System Science

Sponsored by: CAWSES, NASA/LWS, eGY, IHY, NSF, ICESTAR, and SEE conference series organizers

Session 1

(Data Exchange) 13-17 November 2006		 The State of the Sun-Earth System During Extreme Space Weather. "Return to the Auroral Oval for the Anniversary of the IGY"

This event was designed to bring together researchers worldwide to investigate the state of the sun-Earth system during extreme space weather events in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year. The focus of this session is on understanding Sun-Earth interactions in the context of a natural system- from micro to macro level, in both space and time. Nature has cooperated to give us observations of new features in the auroral oval associated with large magnetic substorms in the main phase of superstorms to motivate a new look at extreme space weather.

Goal:To catalyze interdisciplinary investigations among large groups of researchers worldwide focused on "grand challenge" science issues in celebration of the 50th anniversary in 2007 of the International Geophysical Year during which worldwide resources will again be focused on accelerating the pace of discovery in Sun-Earth system science.

4 WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

  1. Join a worldwide effort to construct the most complete picture possible of the sun-to-Earth system by submitting an online presentation interpreting the interesting features of satellite and/or ground-based observations during the focus events,
  2. Contribute global data products, data sets, virtual observatory links, etc. for the information commons,
  3. View presentations; contribute to online discussions about key sun-to-earth issues, and about possible modeling efforts; establish collaborations for follow-on theoretical and modeling studies; enhance graduate student access to international and interdisciplinary collaborations
  4. help to test and improve features of online conference software to develop a new option for scientific communication as part of the International Heliophysical Year.

Session 2

Continuing data analysis, theory and modeling) mid-2007

Session 2

Continuing data analysis, theory and modeling) mid-2007

PROPOSED CONFERENCE TOPICS FOR 2007

The Quiet Sun and the Geospace Ground State: (1) Data Exchange, (2) Theory & Modeling

  • Open magnetic flux in interplanetary space is expected to reach a 22-year low in 2007 and may reach values not seen for 100 years; condition possibly reminescent of a small grand minimum in solar activity [Cliver, ISSC2, 2006].
  • Exciting backdrop for studies of the quiet sun-Earth system. Expect new information on upward propagating wave influences on IT system, coupling to mesospherestratosphere meteorology, chemical transport, etc.)

Multiple Eruptions from the Same Active Region: Causes, implications for the solar cycle, consequences at Earth (1) Data Exchange, (2) Theory & Modeling

  • Fewer sunspots may imply more eruptions per sunspot to shed magnetic flux for thesolar cycle progression. What are underlying processes?
  • Preconditioning effects in heliosphere (CME superhighway, etc.)
  • Enhanced geoeffectiveness of complex ejecta (interacting CME\u2019s, etc.)
  • Preconditioning of geospace before next storm onset.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS: Contact Janet Kozyra (jukozyra@engin.umich.edu)