Collisionless Shocks in Space Plasmas: Structure and Accelerated Particles

Shock waves are an important feature of solar system plasmas, from the solar corona out to the edge of the heliosphere. This engaging introduction to collisionless shocks in space plasmas presents a comprehensive review of the physics governing different types of shocks and processes of particle acceleration, from fundamental principles to current research. Motivated by observations of planetary bow shocks, interplanetary shocks and the solar wind termination shock, it emphasises the physical theory underlying these shock waves. Readers will develop an understanding of the complex interplay between particle dynamics and the electric and magnetic fields that explains the observations of in situ spacecraft. Written by renowned experts in the field, this up-to-date text is the ideal companion for both graduate students new to heliospheric physics and researchers in astrophysics who wish to apply the lessons of solar system shocks to different astrophysical environments.

David Burgess is Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Queen Mary, University of London. He has extensive experience in the simulation and theory of space plasma shocks and turbulence, and has been involved in several international space missions including AMPTE, Ulysses and Cluster. He is currently on instrument science teams for the Solar Orbiter and Solar Probe Plus missions.

Manfred Scholer is Professor of Geophysics at Munich University and a former group leader of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. He has completed extensive research in solar, heliospheric and magnetospheric physics by means of theory, data analysis and numerical simulations. He is a fellow of the American Geophysical Union and Co-Investigator on several spacecraft, including SOHO and Cluster.