The Sun and Space Weather

Since the Sun is the main source of space weather effects, the first part of the book is devoted to a general introduction to the physics of the Sun. A better understanding of the phenomena underlying solar activity is also important for prediction of solar outbursts and thus for establishing alert systems for space missions and telecommunication systems. The book contains the following topics: possible influence of the Sun on the Earth's climate; the effects of radiation on humans in space and the expected radiation dose from various solar events; disturbances of the Earth's ionosphere and the implications of radio communication at different wavelength ranges; possible hazardous asteroids and meteoroids and their detection; and space debris and special shielding of spacecraft. In the cited literature more detailed information about the topics may be found. This book provides an introduction and overview of modern solar-terrestrial physics for students as well as for researchers in the field of astrophysics, solar physics, geophysics, and climate research.