ASTR 431 Space Plasma Physics

(3-0-3) An introduction to plasma physics and its applications to space and astrophysical systems, with an emphasis on the Earth's environment in space. Topics will include the motion of charged particles in electromagnetic fields, the description of plasmas in the framework of one- and two-fluid approach, and its description in the framework of kinetic theory. Plasma equilibria, waves and instabilities will also be discussed. Equates with SSE 324 and PHYS 324.