Large scale interactions and plasma processes at solar objects

The plasma interactions of the different bodies in the solar system differ, but some processes are key at many of them. The main controlling factors are (1) upstream plasma conditions (including Mach number, dynamic pressure) and (2) the nature of the object (including magnetic field, presence of an atmosphere/exosphere, presence of internal sources and plasma discs, ion pickup processes). The processes involve magnetic reconnection, shocks and ion pickup. In this project available spacecraft data will be analysed including size and morphology, and compared with expectations from theory and modelling to find the importance of the different plasma processes at each.

Desired Knowledge and Skills
• Undergraduate in physics
• Data analysis skills

Applications
Applications submitted by 31st January 2020 will be given full consideration. We will continue accepting applications until all places are filled. After we receive your application, we will select candidates for interviews. If you are selected, you will be invited for an interview at MSSL. You will have the opportunity to see the laboratory, students' flats and talk to current students. The studentships are for the advertised projects only. In your application, please specify which project you want to apply for.

To apply, please visit the Online Application page, select department of "Space & Climate Physics" and programme type of "Postgraduate Research". After pushing "Search Now" button, select "RRDSPSSING01: Research Degree: Space and Climate Physics" for Full-time or Part-time mode.
Our Online Applications page can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/adminsys/search/

Entry requirements
An upper second-class Bachelor’s degree, or a second-class Bachelor’s degree together with a Master's degree from a UK university in a relevant subject, or an equivalent overseas qualification.

Students from the UK or those from the EU who meet the residency requirements (3 years' full-time residency in the UK) are potentially eligible for a Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) studentship.