RAeS Space Weather Seminar

The term ‘space weather’ is used to describe a number of physical phenomena in the space environment which can affect human beings and man-made technological systems on the earth or in space. One well-known but fairly benign example of a space weather effect is the aurora borealis or ‘Northern Lights’. Some other space weather effects have the potential to cause major disruption to technological systems such as power and communication networks. As a result, the issue of space weather is not only of major scientific interest but is also of great importance to a wide range of industries and operations.

The seminar will bring together some of the leading UK researchers in this field. Presentations will cover key topics such as space weather effects on mankind; radiation effects on spacecraft, aircraft and sea-level systems; solar proton effects; RF propagation effects; solar mass ejection phenomena; radiation belt dynamics; and Cluster observations of magnetospheric response to solar wind inputs.

The event is being hosted by QinetiQ and will be of interest to both scientific researchers and engineers working in the key areas of space weather phenomenology and effects on technological systems. It is hoped that the event will benefit participants not only by providing an overview of current and recent developments in the field, but also by prompting discussion of some of the key areas for future research.

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Expected speakers and their affiliations include: Dr. Andrew Coates (MSSL), Prof Clive Dyer (QinetiQ), Dr Steve Gabriel (Southampton University), Prof Paul Cannon (QinetiQ), Prof Richard Harrison (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), Dr Richard Horne (British Antarctic Survey), Prof Andre Balogh (Imperial College). The meeting will be chaired by Dr Eamonn Daly (ESA) who will also give the keynote speech.

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This seminar has been organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Space Group and will be held at QinetiQ (formerly DERA), Farnborough.

Please apply to Sue Mogridge, Room G004, The Arthur C Clarke Building, QinetiQ, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 0LX, telephone 01252 392469, Fax 01252 394208, email smmogridge@QinetiQ.com

Please make cheques payable to QinetiQ Ltd. Receipt of cheque will guarantee booking. Further details will be sent with confirmation.