The Norwegian Cluster studies 2007-2009

This is a joint proposal submitted by researchers from the Universities of Bergen (UiB) and Oslo (UiO) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) to support the Norwegian Cluster studies 2007-2009. A main theme is the reconnection process and the effects of this process as it can be studied in the magnetotail (the ion diffusion region), at the flanks of the magnetosphere (the HILDCAA events) and on the dayside of the Earth (Cusp and LLBL). Building on our expertise in understanding and analyz ing the particle, wave and field data from the four Cluster spacecraft and the results reported during the current NRC Cluster grant (2004-2006) we have identified scientific objectives where the Norwegian Cluster team has long experience and a solid publ ication record and where we can make significant contributions to the international community. These topics are also among the main scientific objectives for the Cluster mission and the upcoming MMS/SMART mission. Being Co-Is on many of the Cluster instru ments (EWF, EDI, RAPID and PEACE) give the Norwegian team the necessary expertise to succeed with this project. The proposed Cluster project will offer young scientist the chance to work in a team with experienced scientists as well as retired emeritus scientists that are still very active. The project strengthens our collaboration with the international community. The Cluster mission with its four spacecraft tetrahedron configuration are offering unique possibilities to study structures and dynamics a long their orbits, but it is also a big challenge to master these new tools based on multi-spacecraft measurements. The Norwegian Cluster team is in a very good position to take advantage of these possibilities and especially the young scientists are maki ng important contribution on this matter. The proposed project will help the Norwegian space research community to position itself for the upcoming multi-spacecraft missions like THEMIS and MMS/SMART.