Roberto Battiston: Geophysics from space: using particles and electromagnetic waves for precision physics in the ionosphere.

Speaker: Roberto Battiston

Title: Geophysics from space: using particles and electromagnetic waves for precision physics in the ionosphere.

Abstract: Observations indicate that the upper atmosphere can exhibit measurable perturbations in conjunction with earthquakes, tsunamis, or volcanic activity. Although a unifying theoretical framework is still lacking, the empirical evidence for this phenomenon is robust and attracting growing interest. In this Colloquium, I will review the main observational results and current efforts to understand these signals, focusing in particular on the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES) constellation. CSES, a joint China–Italy mission, provides a space-based platform for investigating Earth’s geophysical environment through non-imaging remote sensing. Equipped with instruments monitoring charged particles, electromagnetic fields, and plasma, the constellation offers a multipoint view of the near-Earth space environment. Its primary goal is to explore possible lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling processes associated with major geophysical events, while also enabling studies of the magnetosphere, heliosphere, and cosmic radiation reaching Earth.