Study of a Supersonic, Magnetized Plasma Jet Interacting with a Simulated Planetary Magnetosphere

Coronal mass ejections are a prevalent form of space weather which can greatly affect the magnetosphere of planets and cause damage to satellites orbiting closely to the planet. To gain a better understanding of the extent to which a planetary magnetosphere could be affected by a coronal mass ejection, we will devise an experiment to test many different possible scenarios in which a coronal mass ejection could impact Earth or the other planets of the Solar System. The experiment utilizes an electromagnet to induce a magnetic field that would act as a simulated planetary magnetosphere, as well as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s magnetized plasma gun to simulate a coronal mass ejection. The magnetic field is positioned at different orientations and strengths to study the interaction between the plasma jet and the magnetic fields. The experimental setup, procedure, and preliminary results will be presented. This system can be configured to fit the parameters of any planet in the solar system, which amplifies the versatility and utility of the apparatus. The experimental results can also be utilized can for preventative actions to be taken to protect satellites in planetary orbits.