NASA Heliophysics & nasa gsrp

Heliophysics

NASA’s recently launched Solar Dynamics Observatory, or SDO, is returning early images that confirm an unprecedented new capability for scientists to better understand our sun's dynamic processes.

Learn more about NASA's commitment to exploring the local cosmic environment:

Recommended Roadmap for Science and Technology
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Heliophysics Science and the Moon
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We live in the extended atmosphere of an active star. While sunlight enables and sustains life, the Sun's variability produces streams of high energy particles and radiation that can harm life or alter its evolution.

Under the protective shield of a magnetic field and atmosphere, the Earth is an island in the Universe where life has developed and flourished. The origins and fate of life on Earth are intimately connected to the way the Earth responds to the Sun's variations.

Understanding the Sun, Heliosphere, and Planetary Environments as a single connected system is the goal of the Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Research Program. In addition to solar processes, our domain of study includes the interaction of solar plasma and radiation with Earth, the other planets, and the Galaxy. By analyzing the connections between the Sun, solar wind, planetary space environments, and our place in the Galaxy, we are uncovering the fundamental physical processes that occur throughout the Universe. Understanding the connections between the Sun and its planets will allow us to predict the impacts of solar variability on humans, technological systems, and even the presence of life itself.

We have already discovered ways to peer into the internal workings of the Sun and understand how the Earth's magnetosphere responds to solar activity. Our challenge now is to explore the full system of complex interactions that characterize the relationship of the Sun with the solar system. Understanding these connections is especially critical as we contemplate our destiny in the third millennium. Heliophysics is needed to facilitate the accelerated expansion of human experience beyond the confines of our Earthly home. Recent advances in technology allow us, for the first time, to realistically contemplate voyages beyond the solar system.

There are three primary objectives that define the multi-decadal studies needed:

• To understand the changing flow of energy and matter throughout the Sun, Heliosphere, and Planetary Environments.
• To explore the fundamental physical processes of space plasma systems.
• To define the origins and societal impacts of variability in the Earth-Sun System.

A combination of interrelated elements is used to achieve these objectives. They include complementary missions of various sizes; timely development of enabling and enhancing technologies; and acquisition of knowledge through research, analysis, theory, and modeling.

Heliophysics

• Big Questions
• Focus Areas
• Missions
• Heliophysics Data Centers
• Senior Review Reports
• Multimedia Links
• Sounding Rockets
• Working Groups

Related Content

• Heliophysics News
• Heliophysics at Goddard Space Flight Center
• International LWS
• Living with a Star
• LWS Targeted Research & Technology
• National Space Weather Program
• The Sun and Solar Physics on the Web

Responsible NASA Official:  Linda Rodgers   Office of Education    DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR NEW APPLICANTS ONLY! NEW DEADLINE is MARCH 31, 2011   Applications will be accepted until MARCH 31, 2011 at the NASA Student On-Line Application for Recruiting Interns(SOLAR) websitehttp://intern.nasa.gov. Submission period for RENEWAL applications is CLOSED. GSRP PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The NASA Graduate Student Researchers Program (GSRP) is an Agency-wide fellowship program (also called GSRP Training Grants in what follows) for graduate study leading to masters or doctoral degrees in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering related to NASA research and development. In 2011, NASA is expanding GSRP to include students that are interested in becoming teachers or education administrators. This twelve month award requires students to participate in a 10 week NASA Center or HQ-based research experience at the NASA Center/HQ extending the GSRP Fellowship award. The goal of NASA’s GSRP is to cultivate additional research ties to the academic community, to help meet the continuing needs of the Nation’s aeronautics and space workforce requirements by increasing the number of highly trained scientists and engineers in aeronautics and space-related disciplines, and to meet the Nation’s need to increase the number of highly trained teachers. The program will support approximately 180 graduate students annually. NASA scientists and engineers and NASA Center and HQ education specialists evaluate applications on the basis of academic transcripts, research proposals, University Faculty Research Advisor’s recommendations, and the proposed utilization of a NASA Center or HQ or university research facilities. Underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields (STEM) are encouraged to apply. ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY Learn about the program, its eligibility requirements, how to apply and reporting requirements. (Adobe PDF Format - Get Adobe PDF Reader)    ONLINE APPLICATION for Renewal Students The deadline for online application has passed! https://fellowships.nasaprs.com/gsrp/nav/