Project Status Applicants
Project Description The solar wind is a stream of electrified gas constantly being expelled from the Sun. When the Sun is active, the powerful solar wind can unleash tremendous magnetic storms that can disable satellites, threaten astronaut safety, and even disrupt Earth-based communication systems. At NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, computer simulation models have been developed to predict the response of the Earth’s space radiation environment to variable inputs from the solar wind. This project involves (1) analyzing available satellite and ground-based data sets and identifying geomagnetic storms; (2) modeling these storms with in-house computer models; (3) performing data-model comparisons to quantify the predictive capabilities of these simulation techniques. We are looking for students with a desire to learn computational models and to work with data sets. Basic knowledge on computer visualization is preferred but not necessary. Students with an interest in space physics and space weather are encouraged to apply.
Grade Level High School
Project Type Individual
Team
Work Site On Site
Time Frame Summer
R&D Space Science (Astronomy) - Heliophysics-Solar Wind and Magnetosphere Physics
Skills
Performance Expectations During this internship, students will learn the basics of space physics and space weather. Technically students will learn how to operate large computer codes and visualize simulation data. Students will also gain hands-on experience in retrieving, handling and analyzing actual satellite data.
Optional Questions

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