The session deals with all aspects of the interaction of the upper
atmospheres of planets and planet-like bodies (e.g. Mars, Venus, Titan,
Earth and possibly even comets) and the surrounding plasma. Most such
bodies are embedded within a draped magnetic field of either the Solar
wind or the host planet.
Variable conductivities in planetary ionospheres, which depend on solar
illumination plasma transport, and particle precipitation, will give rise
to dynamic interaction through currents and associated plasma acceleration
within the weak induced surrounding magnetosphere. The magnetosphere in
itself will often be dynamically dependent on the conditions of the solar
wind or the plasma environment surrounding the host planet. Some effects
of these interactions, such as the expansion and contraction of the
magnetosphere, commonly occur on short timescales whilst others, for
example plasma loss to the solar wind, may determine the long term
evolution of planetary atmospheres. These interaction processes can be
observed with the highest spatial and temporal resolution at Earth, while
observations at other planets and moons show the application of these
mechanisms to radically different scenarios. Therefore studies conducted
throughout the solar system can, collectively, advance our knowledge of
the fundamental physical processes.
We invite papers dealing with the physics of any such planet or
giant-planet moon plasma interaction. Papers dealing with principal
aspects of such interaction are particularly welcome.