About CSPAR - Introduction

Much of the universe is in the form of plasma, the “fourth state of matter” composed of electrically charged gases that play critical roles in stellar dynamics, interstellar matter, and the interaction between Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar wind streaming from the Sun. The Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) was established in 1986 to bring together solar-terrestrial space plasma researchers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH).

Today CSPAR is an internationally recognized center of excellence in space plasma, astrophysical and aeronomic research with research interests that extend from the visible surface of the Sun to the middle atmosphere of the Earth and beyond to the farthest reaches of the Universe. It works with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense and others.

CSPAR typically maintains between 20 and 30 teaching faculty/research staff, and supports 15 to 30 graduate students as well as about 5 undergraduate students. CSPAR produces 5 to 15 M.S/Ph.D degrees and over 100 presentations and refereed papers annually.

CSPAR, jointly with the Marshall Space Flight Center and the National Space Science Technology Center (NSSTC), hosts the Huntsville Workshops, a series of meetings in the Southeast focusing on space plasma, solar physics, aeronomy and astrophysics. The workshops are convened every two years.

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