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Particle energization in space plasmas: towards a multi-point, multi-scale plasma observatory

Sorriso-Valvo, Luca; Retinò, Alessandro; McWilliams, Kathryn +27 more

This White Paper outlines the importance of addressing the fundamental science theme "How are charged particles energized in space plasmas" through a future ESA mission. The White Paper presents five compelling science questions related to particle energization by shocks, reconnection, waves and turbulence, jets and their combinations. Answering t…

A Case for Electron-Astrophysics

Verscharen, Daniel; D'Amicis, Raffaella; Bruno, Roberto +27 more

The smallest characteristic scales, at which electron dynamics determines the plasma behaviour, are the next frontier in space and astrophysical plasma research. The analysis of astrophysical processes at these scales lies at the heart of the research theme of electron-astrophysics. Electron scales are the ultimate bottleneck for dissipation of pl…

Alfvén: magnetosphere—ionosphere connection explorers

Koskinen, H.; Lundin, R.; Yamauchi, M. +60 more

The aurorae are dynamic, luminous displays that grace the night skies of Earth's high latitude regions. The solar wind emanating from the Sun is their ultimate energy source, but the chain of plasma physical processes leading to auroral displays is complex. The special conditions at the interface between the solar wind-driven magnetosphere and the…

Cross-scale: multi-scale coupling in space plasmas

Sahraoui, Fouad; Horbury, Timothy; Sauvaud, Jean-André +17 more

Most of the visible universe is in the highly ionised plasma state, and most of that plasma is collision-free. Three physical phenomena are responsible for nearly all of the processes that accelerate particles, transport material and energy, and mediate flows in systems as diverse as radio galaxy jets and supernovae explosions through to solar fla…