We study the plasma environments of small bodies in the outer solar system, such as the moons of Jupiter and Saturn or the dwarf planet Pluto. We apply the following methods:
- Numerical plasma simulations with the hybrid code AIKEF
- Tracing techniques for energetic (relativistic) magnetospheric particles
- Analysis of spacecraft magnetic field data
- Development of analytical models with paper and pen
Latest research highlights from the MOSS group:
- Dynamics of Energetic Heliospheric Ions in Pluto’s Induced Magnetosphere by PhD Student Randy Ruch et al., J. Geophys. Res. (Space Physics), Cover Story in February 2025
- Emission of Energetic Neutral Atoms at Europa and Callisto by PhD Student C. Michael Haynes et al., J. Geophys. Res. (Space Physics), Cover Story in January 2025
- Europa’s Magnetic Environment During the 2022 Juno Flyby by PhD Students Peter Addison, C. Michael Haynes, et al., Geophys. Res. Lett., Cover Story in January 2024
- Formation of a Displaced Plasma Wake at Neptune’s Moon Triton by Sven Simon et al., J. Geophys. Res. (Space Physics), Cover Story in January 2022
Contact:
Sven Simon
Professor, Planetary and Space Physics
School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences & School of Physics
Georgia Institute of Technology
311 Ferst Drive
Atlanta, GA 30332-0340
USA
Tel.: (+1) 404-385-1509
Email: sven.simon@eas.gatech.edu
Image Credit: NASA
