Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP)

Abstract: Our current understanding of planet formation is informed by ongoing observations of circumstellar disks around young stars.   The improving spatial resolution of these observations has revealed a variety of structures in these dusty gas disks, including gaps, spiral waves, warps, and lopsided distributions of dust particles.  These observations are restricted to a single viewing geometry from Earth and by limited spatial resolution.  Analogous structures are observed in Saturn’s rings with a mul

Abstract: Understanding atmospheric coupling from the troposphere/stratosphere to the upper atmosphere is important for improving climate simulations and space weather forecasts. Gravity waves are one of the key elements in driving atmospheric coupling from the troposphere/stratosphere to the mesosphere and thermosphere. Owing to uncertainties caused by gravity wave parameterizations in general circulation models, it is important to advance our understanding and representation of gravity waves.

Abstract: Electron-scale physics is often the key ingredient that helps to disentangle complex plasma measurements. In this seminar, I highlight the synergies between in-situ observations, simulation models and laboratory experiments, characterizing the role that localized plasma processes can have in regulating the large-scale dynamics and evolution of a macroscopic system. I focus on modeling the kinetic interaction of bodies immersed in plasma using different numerical approaches.

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Abstract: The recent discovery of Earth-sized planets in the habitable zones (HZ) of cool stars (M dwarfs) has focused attention on whether liquid water and life exist on these planets. These planets are exposed to stronger X-ray and EUV (XUV) radiation than the Solar system terrestrial planets because the X-ray to bolometric luminosity ratio of M dwarfs is substantially larger than Sun-like stars. TOI-700 system is one such target, with an Earth-sized planet (TOI-700 d) in the HZ of the M2 star.

Abstract: Flares are frequent energetic explosions in the stellar atmosphere, and are thought to occur by impulsive releases of magnetic energy stored around starspots. Large flares (so called “superflares”) generate strong high energy X-ray and ultraviolet emissions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can greatly affect the planetary environment and habitability. Recent Kepler/TESS photometric data have revealed the statistical properties of superflares on G, K, and M-type stars.

The Space Weather Operational Readiness Development (SWORD) Center is a new international, multi-disciplinary focal point where space weather researchers, operational forecasters, industry partners, and the space weather community will collaborate on transformative research to improve forecasts and nowcasts of the orbital and cis-lunar space environment. SWORD is led by Tom Berger out of CU’s Space Weather Technology, Research, and Education Center (SWx TREC) with major contributions from LASP Co-Investigators.