SOLAR WIND-MAGNETOSPHERE DRIVERS OF SPACE WEATHER

Space weather is a term which refers to the dynamic, highly variable c onditions in the geospace environment. This includes conditions on the sun, in the interplanetary medium, and in the magnetosphere-ionospher e-thermosphere system. Adverse changes in the near-Earth space environ ment can diminish the performance and reliability of both spacecraft a nd ground-based systems. This, in turn, can spell major losses due to communication, navigation, power system, and reconnaissance satellite operational problems. This paper discusses some of the principal adver se space environmental effects presently known including trapped magne tospheric radiation, solar energetic particles, geomagnetic storms, an d magnetospheric substorms. Methods for predicting changes in space we ather are also considered. It is concluded that practical and effectiv e methods of predicting and mitigating space weather effects are close at hand. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd