Welcome to the Sun Earth Plan Website
2007-8 marks the 50th Anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, 1957-58. One of the memorable events during IGY was the launch of Sputnik in 1957, the world’s first artificial satellite. IGY heralded the modern space era.
This year, scientists and engineers from all 191 Member States of the United Nations are participating in an international campaign to learn more about the Earth, the Sun and our environment. 2007-8 has been designated the International Heliophysical Year, or IHY. (Helios was the ancient Greek name for the Sun.) A key objective of IHY is to celebrate the beauty, relevance and significance of space and Earth sciences to the world.
The UK hosts a vibrant solar-terrestrial physics (STP) community with an enviably high profile in the international research arena. They are also involved in a dazzling array of space research projects, from earth orbiting satellites and ground-based experiments to far-ranging planetary probes and landers. SUN EARTH PLAN celebrates Britain’s pivotal role in space science.
Terrestrial Magnetosphere
The near-Earth region of space is seething with invisible magnetic fields.
Terrestrial Ionosphere/Atmosphere
The electrically charged layer of our atmosphere lying at the boundary of space.
The International Heliophysical Year
2007 has been designated the International Heliophysical Year, or IHY.
in International Heliophysical Year
IPOD AWAY!
Your Questions
"We want to visit Iceland this year to possibly see the northern lights. When is the most likely time of the year to see them and can anyone predict if they are more likely to appear at any particular time?"
Jenny, Leicester
This is one of the most common questions posted by visitors to the SunEarthPlan! If you want to see some of the answers posted in response, click on the "view all questions" link below.
You might also be interested in some of the following articles within this site.
The Northern Lights: How are scientists trying to find out what causes the most intense aurora?
Aurora Alert!: Find out how Lanacster University's AuroraWatch scheme can help you see the aurora from the UK
Seeing the northern lights from Britain: Can it be done?
Man Made Aurorae: Is it possible to create aurora at the flick of a switch?
Extra-Terrestrial Aurora: Do other planets have aurora?
view all questions (with answers) >
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