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LASP carries out frontier research in planetary sciences, atmospheric sciences, space plasma physics, and solar influences.

LASP scientists:

  • define key science questions,
  • design, fabricate, and fly airborne, rocket, and spacecraft experiments that make pertinent measurements,
  • analyze data and carry out theoretical and laboratory investigations to understand the results, and
  • simulate results with a variety of models to gain an understanding of the process.
This image of the Sun was taken by the Solar Dynamic Observatory. (Courtesy, NASA/SDO)

Solar Influences

The Solar Influences Group is devoted to measuring the Sun’s irradiance over a broad wavelength range, from soft X-rays through the near infrared. The scientific objectives are to measure irradiance with state of the art accuracy and precision and to understand solar variability and its influence on the terrestrial environment with emphasis on atmospheric processes and climate.  Research highlights include improved understanding of the solar variations in the visible and near infrared, flare-induced variations in ultraviolet radiation, the first detection of flares in the total solar irradiance (TSI), and advances in irradiance accuracy. A data center has been developed for all of these solar irradiance data sets, called the LASP Interactive Solar Irradiance Datacenter (LISIRD). While most research is focused on data analysis, there have also been recent advances in solar irradiance modeling.

To learn more, visit: Solar Influences at LASP

To access data, visit: LISIRD: LASP Interactive Solar Irradiance Datacenter

Earth's atmosphere as viewed from space. (Courtesy, NASA)

Atmospheric Science

LASP scientists pursue investigations in atmospheric science that span the troposphere through the thermosphere and they are world renowned for their theoretical work on clouds and aerosols as well as analyses of solar variability influences on the atmosphere, including both radiation and particle effects. LASP scientists build aircraft instruments and participate in and lead major airborne field campaigns. They also participate in global climate modeling through  collaborations with NCAR on development and validation of their Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM).

To learn more, visit: Atmospheric Science at LASP

This false-color image of Saturn's main rings was made by combining data from multiple star occultations using the LASP-built Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS). Cassini has given scientists the most detailed view yet of Saturn's densely packed B ring. (Courtesy NASA/JPL/University of Colorado)

Planetary Science

LASP has been involved in missions to all the planets in the solar system.  Research highlights include observing Saturn’s rings and the thin atmospheres of its satellites, the connection between planetary dynamics and planetary formation through data analysis and theory, and involvement in many current missions to Mars, as well as planning and proposing future spacecraft investigations. Other areas of research include the geophysics of ice on Mars and the history of martian climate, the geology and geophysics of icy satellites, planetary magnetospheres and solar wind interactions, and the occurrence and physics of dust and dusty plasmas.

To learn more, visit: Planetary Science at LASP

On the sun, coronal mass ejections occur when solar magnetic field lines snake around each other, forming the letter "S". Usually, they go past each other. But if they connect, it's like a short circuit. The mid-section breaks loose and drives out a coronal mass ejection. (Courtesy, NASA/MSFC)

Space Physics

The space physics group at LASP is engaged in research aimed at understanding the Sun–Earth connections. It has developed strength in concentrated areas including Earth’s magnetosphere, its radiation belts, magnetospheric substorms, and the aurora. The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling (CISM) resides within this group; it is part of a national consortium of scientists trying to understand the nature and impact of space weather.  The combination of the strong research group and LASP’s engineering expertise is viewed as having great potential in the expanding the Sun Earth Connections and Space Weather programs.

To learn more, visit: Space Physics at LASP

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

University of Colorado Boulder

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