Winter School 2009

Introduction to Space Physics

The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory (HMO) will host a winter school from 29 June to 3 July 2009 for final year BSc students majoring in physics. The winter school will include lectures, videos, quizzes, and outdoor activities in order to give students a basic introduction to the Earth’s space environment. Topics will include:

• Basic concepts in space plasma physics.
• Structure and variations of the Earth’s magnetic field.
• The Sun, solar wind and the Sun’s magnetic field.
• Structure of the ionosphere, HF radar and ionospheric radio propagation.
• Structure and dynamics of the magnetosphere and VLF waves.
• The Heliosphere and cosmic rays
• The effects of space weather on man’s technological systems.

The HMO will provide the following for students attending the winter school:

• Reimbursement of the return travel cost from the normal place of study by bus or air to Cape Town on the following conditions:
• Maximum reimbursement of R1500
• Receipts for all travel costs must be provided
• Payment for travel by taxis will not be covered.
• Transport from Cape Town to Hermanus (Western Cape).
• Accommodation and meals.
• An allowance of R100 spending money.

Students wishing to attend the winter school should apply by 1 May 2009 by means of the application form at http://moodle.hmo.ac.za (Instructions for the on-line application are available at this site under “Winter School Application”)

Only 20 students will be admitted. Students will be notified by 15 May 2009 whether or not they have been selected to attend the winter school. Students who are selected will be required to pay a refundable deposit of R200 before 5 June 2009 in order to be enrolled for the winter school. Students must make their own travel arrangements to get to the HMO.

Further information on the HMO and the winter school is available from the HMO’s website at http://www.hmo.ac.za. Queries can be made by email to info@hmo.ac.za or by phone to Gayle Overmeyer at 028 312 1196.