Thesis supervisor: Zoltán Németh
Location of studies (in Hungarian): Wigner RCP, Department for Space Physics and Space Technology Abbreviation of location of studies: ELKH
Description of the research topic:
"The magnetosphere of giant planets is significantly different from that of Earth. One reason is that these planets, which have strong magnetic fields, rotate very fast for their size, with Jupiter taking about 10 hours and Saturn about 10.5 hours to rotate on its axis. Another reason for the oddity is that there are significant plasma sources within these magnetospheres: the volcanically active moons of giant planets add material to the planets' extremely large plasma environments.
The investigation of the magnetosphere of giant planets is an active research area generating much interest. Several space missions supported by broad international research collaboration have been (and will be) primarily aimed at advancing knowledge in this field (e.g. the Galileo and Cassini missions, which have already been completed, the Juno mission, which is still ongoing, and the planned JUICE and Europa Clipper missions). We have recently shown that a new type of domain exists in the magnetosphere of giant planets, in which the magnetic field lines are closed but do not rotate around the planet. The middle points of these field lines are anchored in the magnetotail, so they cannot orbit the planet. As the footpoints, which are attached to the planet's surface, rotate with the planet, the field lines in this region are twisted into huge vortices. The plasma here, instead of orbiting the planet, also swirls in vortices. Analysis of Cassini spacecraft data shows that this swirling motion does indeed occur in Saturn's magnetosphere. The new result completely changes the way we have thought about the magnetosphere of giant planets. The observed periodicities, the distribution of the magnetospheric electric field, and the role of field aligned currents need to be reinterpreted. It is necessary to investigate whether Jupiter also exhibits a domain of magnetic vortices.
The candidate will participate in this work, his/her task will be to contribute to the understanding of the electromagnetic field and current distribution, as well as to the investigations of vortex structures in the magnetosphere of Jupiter. "
Required language skills: English Further requirements: The ability to process scientific literature written in English.
MSc degree in one of the physical sciences.
Number of students who can be accepted: 1
Deadline for application: 2024-05-31
2024. IV. 17. ODT ülés Az ODT következő ülésére 2024. június 14-én, pénteken 10.00 órakor kerül sor a Semmelweis Egyetem Szenátusi termében (Bp. Üllői út 26. I. emelet).
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