Research summary
The dynamics of the high-energy particle environment that surrounds the Earth give rise to radiation belts that are dangerous for the satellites that our increasingly technological society depends on. This affects radio wave propagation in ways that challenge the reliability of GPS. It also interferes with radio communications, such as those used by trans-polar aircraft.
As Canada Research Chair in Geospace Dynamics and Space Plasma Physics, Dr. Emma Spanswick is trying to increase our understanding of the near-Earth space environment. She and her research team are studying a range of basic space science problems and advancing applications for space weather monitoring and prediction. Their work will inform advances in remote sensing capacity. It will also address the emerging need for improved space-domain awareness, space weather nowcasting, and space weather impact assessment, particularly with respect to impacts on radio wave propagation in the ionosphere (where Earth’s atmosphere meets space).