Plasma physics

Plasma physics

The branch of physics concerned with matter in its plasma (gas) state in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized.

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Plasma physics

mid-latitude plasma trough

Physics; Plasma physics

Nightside plasma depletion that can exceed and order of magnitude. Occurs on flux tubes which flow west at the same speed as the earth rotates. Plasma loss due to recombination is responsible for ...

field aligned current

Physics; Plasma physics

Electric currents aligned along magnetic fields.

collision time

Physics; Plasma physics

Typical time which passes between two consecutive collision events for a given particle. Inverse of the collision frequency; equal to the mean free path divided by the particle's velocity. In ...

diffuse aurora

Physics; Plasma physics

The aurora seen near the equatorward edge of the auroral oval and most of the daytime aurora is known as the diffuse aurora. It is caused by the precipitation of particles with a relatively broad ...

ionization potential

Physics; Plasma physics

The energy required to ionize an atom or molecule. The energy is usually given in terms of electron volts.

The magnetic cavity surrounding the earth, carved out of the passing solar wind by virtue of the geomagnetic field, which prevents, or at least impedes, the direct entry of the solar wind plasma into ...