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: - Determine what controls the conjugacy and non-conjugacy of theta aurora - Determine relative location and intensity of cusp precipitation in the conjugate hemispheres - Determine the relation between proton precipitation and ring current enhancment - Compare equatorial precipitation during magnetic storms with NOAA particle data. Combining auro ral 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 radiation. 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. Two Master students will be involved from fall 2005. To succeed with the project, it is crucial to maintain and further develop the strong 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 intend 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 Sciences Laboratory at UC B erkeley.