Plasma Astrophysics Summer School

More than 99% of the known Universe is composed of plasma. It should then come as no surprise that a solid understanding of basic fluid and plasma dynamics has been the foundation of many of the greatest successes in theoretical astrophysics and space physics. Unfortunately, most undergraduate and graduate astronomy programs in the USA do not regularly offer courses or formal training in basic plasma physics. As a result, a knowledge of plasma physics in these fields is often acquired “on the job” — informally and piecemeal through research applications.

To address this gap, with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Topical Group in Plasma Astrophysics (GPAP) of the American Physical Society Division of Plasma Physics, we are offering an intensive 5-day summer school on the fundamental physics of astrophysical and space plasmas, targeting young academics in the fields of astronomy and space science whose research and careers would benefit from acquiring a solid foundation in plasma physics. The school, hosted by Swarthmore College*, is open to 20 upper-level undergraduate and early-career graduate students, chosen through an application process. There is no registration fee, and all lodging and meal costs will be provided, free of charge, to the participants. Travel assistance is available. Students from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

When

7 – 11 July 2021

Where

Swarthmore College, PA