Auroral imaging from space to study solar wind - magnetosphere - ionosphere coupling

Based on simultaneous conjugate global imaging from space by IMAGE FUV and Polar VIS Earth camera this project will resolve the following scientific questions: - Quantitatively determine how the IMF and Earths dipole tilt lead to twisting of the magnetota il, resulting in highly asymmetric conjugate magnetic foot-points. Discrepancies between observations and model predictions will be determined. - Determine what controls the conjugacy and non-conjugacy of theta aurora - Determine relative location and int ensity of cusp precipitation in the conjugate hemispheres Combining auroral imaging from space, EISCAT and Cluster data we will determine statistically the relation between bursty bulk flows and reconnection rate in the magnetotail. Combining geocoronal imaging from two satellites (IMAGE and MINISAT 1) we will determine the hydrogen density surrounding the Earth and test the precision of model estimates. Geocoronal imaging will also be used to report the intensities of solar flares in the Lyman alpha ra diation. An important goal for this project is to attract new students and get them involved by offering them interesting compelling projects as Master and PhD programs. To succeed with the project, it is crucial to maintain and further develop the s trong connection to UC Berkeley and the IMAGE FUV team. We therefore intend to be an active participant in the IMAGE team, attending the IMAGE team meetings and spend time at UC Berkeley as a visitor for short term stays. As students get involved, we int end to offer them to take part in team meetings as well as arranging for them to visit UC Berkeley. We strongly believe that the space science groups in Bergen as well as Norway, will benefit immensely from keeping a strong connection to the Space Science s Laboratory at UC Berkeley.