Heliophysics

As an early advocate of the newly expanded meaning, George Siscoe offered the following characterization: "Heliophysics [encompasses] environmental science, a unique hybrid between meteorology and astrophysics, comprising a body of data and a set of paradigms (general laws—perhaps mostly still undiscovered) specific to magnetized plasmas and neutrals in the heliosphere interacting with themselves and with gravitating bodies and their atmospheres."

The science of heliophysics lies at the foundation of the study of space weather, and is also directly involved in understanding planetary habitability.

However, the Sun also produces streams of high energy particles known as the solar wind, and radiation that can harm life or alter its evolution.

Above the protective cocoon of Earth's lower atmosphere is a plasma soup composed of electrified and magnetized matter entwined with penetrating radiation and energetic particles.

[6][7] There are three primary objectives that define the multi-decadal studies:[6][9] Plasmas and their embedded magnetic fields affect the formation and evolution of planets and planetary systems.

On Earth, the magnetic field changes strength and configuration during its occasional polarity reversals, altering the shielding of the planet from external radiation sources.

[10] Determine changes in the Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere in order to enable specification, prediction, and mitigation of their effects.