PhD in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences - Space Physics in Los Angeles United States | University of California, Los Angeles

Beyond 100 kilometers in altitude, Earth's atmosphere becomes intensely ionized, collisions become negligible, and the planet's magnetic field primarily governs dynamics. This magnetic field is shaped by the constant stream of solar wind plasma from the Sun, creating a protective cavity called the magnetosphere—the outermost layer of Earth's atmospheric envelope. Within this region, powerful radiation belts of charged particles develop, drawing energy from both the ionosphere and solar wind. These magnetospheric particles undergo significant changes due to solar activity and solar wind fluctuations, eventually descending into the atmosphere where they trigger vibrant auroras and alter atmospheric chemistry. The department leads robust research initiatives to study how solar wind energy enters the magnetosphere, circulates through this system, and ultimately reaches the atmosphere. This research combines satellite observations, ground-based measurements, theoretical studies, and modeling, with active partnerships across the global space science community. Researchers actively contribute to NSF, NASA, and National Space Weather initiatives, while also benefiting from interdisciplinary collaborations with other UCLA departments.