Space physics, also known as space plasma physics, is the study of plasmas as they occur naturally in the universe. As such, it encompasses a far-ranging number of topics, including the sun, solar wind, planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres, auroras, cosmic rays, and synchrotron radiation. Space physics is a fundamental part of the study of space weather and has important implications not only to understanding the universe, but also to practical everyday life, including the operation of communications and weather satellites. Space physics is unique from other fields of astrophysics which study similar phenomenon, in that space physics utilizes in-situ measurements from high altitude rockets and spacecraft.
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Famous quotes containing the words space and/or physics:
“Oh, my. I’d forgotten how much I hate space travel.”
—George Lucas (b. 1944)
“It is hardly to be believed how spiritual reflections when mixed with a little physics can hold people’s attention and give them a livelier idea of God than do the often ill-applied examples of his wrath.”
—G.C. (Georg Christoph)