[11
NOV 98] UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK PRESS RELEASE
Astrophysics Use Virtual Reality To Chasae Earth's TailAstrophysicists at the University of Warwick are using a 3D virtual
reality system to research the Earth's electromagnetic tail. This tail, similar in shape
to other large solar system phenomena such as Solar flares, results from the interactions
of the Earth's own magnetic field with the electromagnetic activity generated by the Sun.
The tail is much studied by astrophysicists, and agonised over by operators of
telecommunications satellites concerned about the serious affects on radio communications
that can be caused by occasional instabilities in the tail known as "substorms".
Dr Sandra Chapman, Aders Ynnerman and the Space and
Astrophysics Group (based in the Physics Department at the University of Warwick) are
currently trying to get a better understanding of this area of near Earth space by
modelling the behaviour of individual charged particles within the tail. Their model
suggested that the particles could follow a complex three dimensional path that was
difficult to decipher by simply viewing it on a two dimensional piece of paper or computer
screen. After days of deliberation using two dimensional methods (which included at one
point trying to make a three dimensional model out of bits of multicoloured duct tape!)
the researchers decided that the charged particle was following the path of an unusual but
very familiar mathematical shape known as a moebius strip. Dr Chapman then had an
opportunity to examine data on some three dimensional imaging virtual reality equipment in
the US and Japan, and was able to confirm in minutes that the answer they had agonised
over for days was correct.
It surprised no one then that when the opportunity came to
bid for new equipment under the Higher Education Funding Councils for England's Joint
Research Equipment Initiative (JREI) that Dr Chapman made a strong bid for a virtual
reality 3D imaging facility to be based at Warwick. Her arguments persuaded all concerned
and Warwick's Space and Astrophysics Group now hosts a 3D virtual reality facility based
around an "ImmersaDesk" and a "Onyx 2" computer - one of now only two
such sets of equipment available anywhere in the UK The equipment allows pairs of
researchers to don special goggles to immerse themselves in a virtual reality three
dimensional space based on any three dimensional modelling data they wish to examine. Dr
Chapman's group will use it to examine further the earth's own magnetosphere and
geomagnetic tail. However, the equipment will also be available to collaborators across
Warwick's science departments and there are already discussions as to how the equipment
may help colleagues in other departments with problems that require 3D imaging of medical,
engineering and mathematical problems.
MORE INFORMATION:
Dr Sandra Chapman 01203 523390
Peter Dunn, University Press Officer 01203 523708
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