Research Overview

Soft x-rays are generated within planetary magnetosheaths due to the interaction between magnetospheric neutrals and highly charged solar wind ions. Imaging of these soft x-rays is an emerging technology that can allow for a dynamic, global diagnostic view of the magnetosheath region to be built and exploration of the solar wind driving of planetary magnetospheres. I am modelling the magnetosheath of Uranus, a highly complex and interesting system, to investigate soft x-ray emission from the region and ultimately aim to test the viability of sending an SXI along with the planned flagship mission to the Uranian system.