Welcome to CSPAR At the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) at UAH, we are committed to advancing cutting-edge research and graduate education in space science. Our work spans from the furthest corners of the universe to the boundaries of the heliosphere, our Sun, and the geospace environment surrounding Earth. CSPAR investigates the dynamic role of plasmas in the universe—from galaxies and stars to space and planetary atmospheres. By combining advanced theory, modeling, computational analysis, observational data, and hands-on experimentation, we delve into a wide array of phenomena. Our research encompasses everything from cosmic and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes and solar wind physics to the interstellar medium and energetic particles. Additionally, CSPAR pioneers the development of instruments for both space-based and in-situ observations, ensuring we stay at the forefront of space exploration. Discover our Educational Programs Research Experience for Undergraduates Graduate Programs NSF FTPP Project Internships International Space Weather CampOutreach Department Chair Dr. Gary Zank received his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Natal in South Africa in 1987. Gary is an Eminent Scholar and Distinguished Professor, Director of Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR), and Chair of the Department of Space Science (SPA) at The University of Alabama in Huntsville. Gary has been recognized in his field through the receipt of numerous honors and awards throughout his career. In 2017, he was named the University of Alabama Board of Trustees Trustee Professor, the first and only University of Alabama System faculty member to achieve this position. In part, this was in recognition of Dr Zank being elected in 2016 as a Member of the US National Academy of Sciences, the only person in AL to be a member of this august body. History Since its founding in 1986 by Dr. S.T. Wu, the Center for Space Plasma & Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) at UAH has been a leader in advancing research and education on the role of plasmas in space, stars, the Sun, and planetary environments. Dr. Wu, who began his tenure at UAH in 1967, served as CSPAR's Director until his retirement in 2005 and held the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering until his passing in 2017. Space Science / CSPAR Colloquium Throughout the Fall Semester, Space Science and CSPAR will be hosting a Colloquium series. We warmly welcome faculty, students, and all who are interested to join us for these engaging sessions! More info Faculty Open Positions Experimental Solar Physicist or Gamma-ray Astrophysicis - Assistant Professor Key Partners CSPAR News UAH development of SWEAP instruments helps Parker Solar Probe win 2024 Collier Trophy Apr 01 The Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instrument suite developed by researchers at The Harvard Smithsonian Center for … Faculty Spotlight Dr. Gary P. Zank EMINENT SCHOLAR / DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR / CHAIR, SPACE SCIENCE DIRECTOR, CSPAR Gary is well known in the world of Space Physics for his extensive list of peer-reviewed publications and numerous books. Gary is also distinguished in his field because of his wide-ranging honors and awards achieved throughout his career. Contact Us CSPAR Cramer Hall 2002 301 Sparkman Drive Huntsville, AL 35899 256.961.7401 garyp.zank@gmail.com Follow CSPAR
UAH development of SWEAP instruments helps Parker Solar Probe win 2024 Collier Trophy Apr 01 The Solar Wind Electrons Alphas and Protons (SWEAP) instrument suite developed by researchers at The Harvard Smithsonian Center for …