Solar and Heliospheric Physics Group

The Solar and Heliospheric Physics Group studies the Sun using observational data from satellites (such as SoHO, TRACE and Hinode) and/or ground-based observatories (such as THEMIS in Tenerife and DOT in La Palma) in combination with modelling and theoretical tools (such as radiative transfer). These observational data provide, through a multi-wavelength analysis, coverage of the solar atmosphere from the lower layers to the outer corona and permit the extraction of quantitative information about the physical parameters that describe the thermodynamic state of the solar plasma. The group is currently investigating a wide range of solar phenomena occurring in active and quiet regions that include sunspots, loops, surges and small-scale structures.
Moreover, analysis and interpretation of Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) data, as well as complementary plasma and magnetic field data collected by ESA and NASA spacecraft (e.g. STEREO, Ulysses, ACE, Wind, Cluster) is carried out in order to study the effects of eruptive solar events in the interplanetary space and the Earth’s environment. Research is performed on the solar origin, acceleration and transport of SEPs in the Heliosphere, Heliospheric Particle Reservoirs, Space Weather forecasting, the effect of solar storms to the environment of Mars and to astronauts of future Manned Space Missions. In collaboration with European and American partners the first European Space Weather Alert System is being implemented.

Scientific Team Members

Permanent
Tsiropoula Georgia, Malandraki Olga, Tziotziou Konstantinos

Adjunct Researchers
Vourlidas Angelos

PhD Students
Dakanalis John, Smanis Theofanis

Post-graduate
Nika Aikaterini

Software Engineers
Karavolos Michalis, Kokkinis Dimitrios

Ionospheric Physics

The main activities of the Ionospheric Group focus around the performance of systematic ionospheric monitoring and the development of ionospheric and trans-ionospheric nowcasting and prediction systems through the on-line implementation of advanced modelling techniques ingesting ground and space data from all geospace regions. Today, the Ionospheric Group through its research infrastructures (the Athens Digisonde and the DIAS system) and systematic funding by the EC, EOARD, NOA and ESA, provides services able to support systematically HF communication systems, satellites orbiting at LEO and MEO heights and systems relying on transionospheric propagation, at any location of the Earth’s upper atmosphere up to the plasmapause, and protect these systems from ionospheric disturbances and irregularities triggered by space weather events.

Group webpage: http://www.iono.noa.gr

Scientific Team Members

Permanent
Belehaki Anna, Tsagouri Ioanna, Elias Panagiotis

Adjunct Researchers
Kutiev Ivan

Postdocs
Charisi Anna

Space Research and Technology

The Space Research and Technology Group specializes in studies of planetary and interplanetary plasmas, geomagnetism and space magnetism, and space weather prediction. It operates the HellENIc GeoMagnetic Array (ENIGMA) an array of 3 ground-based magnetometer stations in the areas of Trikala, Attiki and Lakonia that provides measurements for the study of geomagnetic pulsations, resulting from the solar wind – magnetosphere coupling. The group has developed and operates the Solar Energetic Proton Flux (SEPF) tool, which is a European space weather asset, as well as the FORecasting Solar Particle Events and Flares (FORSPEF) tool. Furthermore, the group participates to the Swarm/ESA mission as a member of the Validation Team. The main scientific objective of the group is the detailed investigation of interconnected space plasma physics phenomena at the Sun, the interplanetary space and the Earth and other planets. The group has become involved in the design and implementation of space instrumentation and in the application of innovative space communications for efficient space-data exploitation.

Group webpage: http://maxwell.space.noa.gr/srtg/

Scientific Team Members

Permanent
Anastasiadis Anastasios, Balasis Georgios, Giannakis Omiros, Papaioannou Athanasios

Adjunct Researchers
Daglis Ioannis, Potirakis Stelios, Sergis Nick, Tsinganos Kanaris, Vourlidas Angelos

Postdocs
Mallios Sotirios, Paouris Evangelos

PhD Students
Antonopoulou Alexandra, Boutsi Adamantia Zoe, Lavassa Helen, Papaggelis George, Papadimitriou Constantinos

Software engineers
Daglis Athanasios, Vasalos Georgios