Overview of the course

1.

Basic plasma physics: orbit theory, MHD and kinetic theory, particle acceleration theory, plasma waves and radiation.

2.

Solar physics: X-ray corona, spicules, particle acceleration, solar activity, solar wind, variations with heliocentric distance and heliolatitude, shock waves, radio bursts.

3.

Earth's foreshock: orbit theory, particle acceleration, plasma waves, shock physics.

4.

Earth's magnetosphere: substorms

5.

Coupling to Earth: auroral displays, substorms, geosynchronous satellites, power blackouts.

6.

Outer heliosphere.