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INSTITUTET FÖR RYMDFYSIK UPPSALA
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Swedish Institute of Space Physics (59°50.272′N, 17°38.786′E)
Student project at IRF Uppsala

Project work / Projektarbete (30 hp)

Analytical models for the comet plasma environment

Student: Noemi Vitos, Uppsala University
Supervisor: Anders Eriksson
Period: 2012-2013

Background

Rosetta is an ESA spacecraft, launched March 2, 2004 for arrival at its target comet in 2014. At the Swedish Institute of Space Physics in Uppsala, we have built an instrument called LAP (Langmuir probe) to study the ionized gas (plasma) close to the comet. For planning operations at the comet, and to interpret the data when we arrive, it is important to have models available for the plasma environment. The most advanced models are numerical, solving relevant physical equations on some grid around the comet. While detailed, such models require significant computer resources, and simplified analytical models are therefore also of interest.

Project

The project includes:
  • Reviewing the literature on comet plasma environment analytical models.
  • Collect relevant models into a simple code producing plots of boundaries and parameters.
Rosetta with LAP
Examples of boundaries and structures in the plasma environment of a comet. Gathering analytical models for such features and implementing them into a simple code is the topic of this project. [Image credit: NASA/JPL]

https://space.irfu.se/exjobb/2012_noemi_vitos/index.html
last modified on Monday, 17-Dec-2012 21:15:43 CET