What is heliophysics?
Heliophysics is the study of our star, the Sun [helio], and how its behavior [physics] affects Earth, the solar system, and the very nature of space.
Quick Facts
The heliosphere is defined by the constant stream of solar wind flowing outward from the Sun in all directions, creating a bubble around the solar system.
Earth's has both a magnetosphere and atmosphere that protect it from the effects of the solar wind.
Although seen at night, the aurora borealis, or the Northern lights, is actually caused by the Sun! The light displays seen most commonly near Earth's poles are caused by the solar wind interacting with the atoms and molecules in Earth's atmosphere.
Space weather includes phenomena surrounding how the solar wind affects both technology on Earth and in low-Earth orbit, as well as the adverse effects to human explorers in space.
Heliophysics missions include the Parker Solar Probe, the only spacecraft to ever "touch" the Sun, and the Voyager missions, which crossed the heliosphere boundary and are traveling through interstellar space.
Heliophysics Big Ideas
The Sun is really big and its gravity influences all objects in the Solar System.
Relevant Topics: corona, lunar eclipse, lunar phases, Newton's Law of Gravity, seasons, solar eclipse, solar system, transits
The Sun is active and can impact technology via space weather.
Relevant Topics: atmosphere, aurora, coronal mass ejection, geomagnetic storm, ionization, magnetic fields, magnetic reconnection, magnetosphere, magnetotail, plasma, radio blackout, solar cycle, solar flare, solar wind, space weather, sunspots, Van Allen belts
The Sun’s energy drives Earth’s climate, but the climate is in a delicate balance and is changing due to human activity.
Relevant Topics: atmosphere, climate change, energy, greenhouse effect, radiation
Life on Earth has evolved with complex diversity because of our location near the Sun. It is just right!
Relevant Topics: atmosphere, biosphere, energy, habitable zone, light, magnetosphere, photosynthesis, radiation
The Sun defines the space around it, which is different from interstellar space.
Relevant Topics: heliosphere, interstellar space, magnetic fields, plasma, solar wind, space weather
The Sun is the primary light source in the solar system.
Relevant Topics: heliosphere, interstellar space, magnetic fields, plasma, solar wind, space weather
The Sun is made of churning plasma, causing the surface to be covered with complex, tangled magnetic fields.
Relevant Topics: coronal mass ejection, electromagnetism, energy, ionization, magnetic fields, magnetic reconnection, plasma, solar cycle, solar flare, solar wind, space weather, sunspots
Energy from the Sun is created in the core and travels outward through the Sun and into the heliosphere.
Relevant Topics: convection, corona, energy, heliosphere, light, nuclear fusion, plasma, radiation, solar wind, space weather
Our Sun, like all stars, has a life cycle.
Relevant Topics: light, nuclear fusion, solar cycle, spectroscopy, stellar evolution, sunspots
