Flux Transfer Events in Mercury's magnetosphere
Weijie Sun, Staff Researcher
Space Sciences Laboratory
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
Flux Transfer Events (FTEs) are transient phenomena that occur at the boundary between the solar wind and a planet’s magnetosphere, where magnetic reconnection allows the exchange of magnetic flux, plasma and energy. Mercury’s magnetosphere is the smallest and most dynamic among the terrestrial planets, due to its proximity to the Sun and its weak intrinsic magnetic field. FTEs are very frequent and are called FTE “showers” in Mercury’s magnetosphere, as they appear in a large group and in quick succession. FTE showers have been shown to be able to transport a significant amount of magnetic flux, plasma and energy in Mercury’s magnetosphere, affecting its structure and dynamics.
The project aims to investigate the properties of FTE showers, and how do their occurrences depend on plasma beta and magnetic shear angle across the magnetopause. Plasma beta is the ratio of plasma pressure to magnetic pressure, and magnetic shear angle is the angle between the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and the planetary magnetic field. These parameters are expected to influence the rate and location of magnetic reconnection, and thus the generation and characteristics of FTEs. The project will use data from NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft, which orbited Mercury from 2011 to 2015, and performed measurements of the magnetic field, plasma and energetic particles in Mercury’s magnetosphere.
Role: The student will identify flux transfer events in Mercury's dayside magnetopause, analyze the spacecraft observations, and perform more detailed case studies on selected events using MATLAB/IDL software.
Qualifications: The project aims to enhance our understanding of the physical processes governing Mercury’s magnetosphere and how they differ from those on other planets. We are seeking applicants with a strong interest in space physics or astronomy, and only basic programming skills are required. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, intellectually curious, attentive to detail, and able to work both independently and collaboratively. We strongly encourage students from underrepresented groups to apply.
Hours: 6-8 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Most of the work can be done remotely, but weekly in-person meetings at Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), UC Berkeley, at 7 Gauss way, Berkeley, CA, will be required. Please take the free hill shuttle from the Hearst mining circle to the top of the hill. SSL is the last stop (~10 min bus ride).
Related website: https://pds-ppi.igpp.ucla.edu/mission/MESSENGER
Related website: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/missions/messenger/in-depth/