Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics

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The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics focusses on the properties and interactions of the coupled ionosphere-thermosphere-magnetosphere (ITM) system and how it is driven by energy inputs from the sun and the underlying atmosphere. Within this field of research, the Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics at the Neustrelitz site in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania focusses on research into space weather. The term space weather refers to the time-varying conditions on the sun and in the solar wind and their effect on the ITM system. Space weather has a significant impact on the performance and reliability of space-based and ground-based technological systems. It can cause significant disruption to modern communication and navigation systems, leading to increased safety risks, economic losses and reduced quality of life. The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics covers both basic and applied research on space weather. The aim is to protect national infrastructures and support affected industries through timely, accurate and reliable observations and forecasts.

Main research areas are:

  • The investigation of solar-terrestrial processes in near-Earth space in order to deepen the understanding of complex coupling processes, especially in the thermosphere and ionosphere, and to derive information on possible effects of space weather and their avoidance.
  • Physical modelling and prediction of solar-terrestrial coupling processes on the basis of energetic particle fluxes and radiation effects as well as corresponding propagation effects in near-Earth space.
  • The development of methods for measuring, evaluating and predicting physical and technical variables that describe the effects of space weather on technical systems.

Departments

Department for Space Weather Impact

The Department for Space Weather Impacts investigates the Space Weather influence on crucial systems and services such as GNSS or HF communication as well as on ground and space based infrastructures such as power grids or satellites.

Department for Space Weather Observations

The department “Space Weather Observations” investigates and applies ionosphere measurement and inversion techniques using ground and space borne sensors.

Department for Solar-Terrestrial Coupling

The Department of Solar-Terrestrial Coupling Processes investigates processes in near Earth space in order to deepen the understanding of complex coupling mechanisms, primarily in the thermosphere and ionosphere, and to derive information about possible space weather hazards and their prevention.