Scale and Rotation: Understanding the Structure and Dynamics of the Magnetospheres of Jupiter, Ganymede, and Earth

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This project will compare and contrast the magnetospheres of the Earth, Jupiter and its satellite, Ganymede. The study will provide a theoretical framework for understanding the roles that are played by the different sizes and rotation rates of the three objects. The project will involve analytic theory, data analysis and numerical simulations using a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code. One of the important issues to be addressed is the role of magnetic flux tube interchange, which has been observed in Jupiter's magnetosphere but may or may not play a role in the Earth's magnetosphere.