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Welcome to the Virtual Space Plasma Laboratory

The Virtual Space Plasma Laboratory is a dynamic and interactive tool for exploring the physics of space plasmas. It features a mini-desktop that allows you to easily explore a wide range of topics from the basics of plasma physics to complex space weather phenomena that span vast regions of space. At the beginning of this website is the Plasma Parameter Calculator. It will calculate for you a variety of different plasma quantities, including the Alfvén velocity, Debye length, Gyroradius and Electron plasma frequency. These are the basic parameters that tell you what the physics of plasma is like in space. Theory becomes practice as you get immediate results. Morover, Plasma Regions Plotter and ParaView Online Visualization let you see how the planets interact with the solar wind. You will be able to explore the key regions of interest, such as the bow shock and the magnetopause. By viewing the simulations and interacting with the 3D views, you will experience these interactions with your own eyes and gain a deeper understanding of how space weather affects planetary environments. This is made possible by the Aalto University Hybrid Model, a state-of-the-art simulation of these interactions, which calculates trajectories with unprecedented precision. The model is used to ensure that what you see is based on real science, providing a powerful portal into the invisible dramas of our solar system. Explore the Virtual Space Plasma Laboratory and see how it makes complex plasma physics more approachable. Whether you're studying or researching, this tool offers an immersive experience that connects theoretical knowledge with practical, real-time visualizations.

Plasma Parameters Calculator

Plasma is a unique state of matter in which the charged particles of decomposed atoms come together to form a collective assemblage. Although none of the particles are actually free, they are strongly influenced by the electromagnetic fields of each neighboring particle. This results in the system of charged particles responding collectively to electromagnetic forces. If you are interested in calculating certain properties of plasma, this calculator can help you determine several important plasma parameters. These include: Alfven Velocity: the velocity at which magnetic disturbances propagate through plasma. Debye Length: the scale length over which the plasma is shielded by its electric charges. Gyroradius: the radius of the circular motion that charged particles make in a magnetic field. Electron Plasma Frequency: the frequency at which electrons in the plasma oscillate together. Angular Frequency: the rate at which a particle rotates in a circular path. Gyrotime: the time it takes for a particle to complete one full circular motion in a magnetic field. Electron Thermal Velocity: the average velocity of electrons in the plasma due to thermal motion. If you want to learn more about how these plasma parameters are calculated, please click info link to see the equations.

Parameter Inputs

Note that all units are done in SI

Elementary charge: e = 1.60217649e-19 C

Boltzman constant: k = 1.38065042e-23 J/K

Vacuum Permittivity: ε = 8.85418782e-12 F/m

Magnetic constant: μ = 1.25663706e-6 mT/A

Results

Plasma Regions Plotter