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

该项目将对地球、木星及其卫星木卫三的磁层进行比较和对比。这项研究将为理解这三个物体的不同大小和旋转速度所起的作用提供一个理论框架。该项目将涉及分析理论、数据分析和使用磁流体(MHD)程序的数值模拟。需要解决的重要问题之一是磁通管互换的作用，这种作用在木星的磁层中观察到，但可能在地球磁层中发挥作用，也可能不起作用。

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.