1993: M Sc., University of Bochum, Germany, Theoretical Plasma Physics: magnetohydrostatics, magnetohydrodynamic simulations.
1997: Ph. D., university of Bochum, Germany, Theoretical Astrophysics (Plasmas): magnetohydrostatics, magnetohydrodynamic simulation, accretiuon disk stellar magnertic field interaction, instabilities.
1997 - 2000: NASA Postdoctoral Program (NRC fellowship), Electrodynamics Bracnch (Code 696): magnetosphere current sheet thinning, reconnection, magnetohydrodynamic simulation.
Since 2000: Space Weather Laboratory, Community Coordinated Modeling Center:
Lutz Rastaetter
(RESEARCH AST, FIELDS AND PARTICLES)
| Email: | lutz.rastaetter-1@nasa.gov |
| Phone: | 301.286.1085 |
| Org Code: | 674 |
| Address: |
NASA/GSFC Mail Code 674 Greenbelt, MD 20771 |
| Employer: |
Brief Bio
Current Projects
Community Coordinated Modeling Center
Magnetospheres
Staff member at CCMC since the beginning (2000).
The CCMC hosts numerical model of the solar corona, heliosphere, Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere/thermosphere, atmosphere and magnetic field and offers runs-on-request (RoR) to scientists around the world through its web site.
Responsibilities at CCMC: preparation of models for RoR (request interface, run procedures, post-processing), visualization of run results (online ands through Kamodo Python open-source software), added processing (e.g., time series, model outputs along satellite tracks, magnetic perturbations on the ground, quantities computed from primary model output variables), model validation studies.
Positions/Employment
Postdoctoral Fellow
National Research Council - NASA GSFC, Electrodynamics Branch (696)
September 1997 - September 2000
As a postdoctoral fellow I studied thinning of the magnetosphere tail current sheet and subsequent magnetic reconnection in the Earth's magnetosphere using magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modeling.
Research Scientst
Raytheon ITSS - NASA GSFC, Electrodynamics Branch (696)
November 2000 - January 2002
Supported the formation of the Community Coordinated Modeling Center (CCMC) by installing the first two global magnetosphere magnetophydrodymnamics (MHD) models (named BATS-R-US and UCLA-GGCM at the time). Adapted an existing visualization package written in the Interactive Data Language (IDL) and developd an online visualization interface.
Initiated the first run-on-request runs and started first model validation study (using the 2000 Bastille Day geomagnetic storm) by comparing polar cap shape and size from magnetic field-line tracing against IMAGE UV observations of the auroral oval.
Research Astrophysicist
NASA - NASA GSFC, Space Weather Laboratory (Code 674)
August 2010 - Present
Staff member at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center responsible for redesign of run-on-request interfaces (run setup, processing, visualization) and model validation studies (online time series data analysis software, conduct magnetosphere modeling challenges to assess fitness of models for real-time operations forecasting ((time derivative of) magnetic perturbations at magnetometer stations).
Support of more than 40 models at CCMC, including the ModelWeb suite of ionosphere, thermosphere and magnetic field models (implemented as instant-run models).
Co -leader of the Metrics and Validation focus group, and Modeling and Validation resource group) in the Geospace Environment Modeling (GEM) community. Kamodo open-source software development (functional access to model outputs and observations). Kamodo allows users to conduct model-data comparisons, generate interactive visualizations (using Plotly) and develop shareable, reproducible scientific work flows. Kamodo is part of the Python in the Heliophysics Community (PyHC) suite of interoperable software packages.
Research Scientist
QSS inc. - NASA GSFC, Electrodynamics Branch (696)
January 2002 - April 2004
Continued support of the CCMC through ingestion of more models of the ionosphere/thermosphere, inner magnetosphere and solar corona.
Development of the real-time run of BATSRUS and Fok Ring Current (FRC) model.
Installations of the Potential Field Sourse Surface (PFSS) and magnetohydrodynamoics Around a Sphere (MAS) models of the solar corona for run-on-request at the CCMC
Set up of real-time display web pages to track space weather from the Sun, solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. Images in the display pages were the precursor of images and data products displayed in the interactive Space Weather Analysis System (iSWA, since 2009).
Research Associate
Catholic University of America - NASA GSFC, Space Weather Laboratory (Code 612.3 at the time, now 674)
May 2004 - August 2010
Expansion of CCMC capabilities into the heliosphere (addition of the ENLIL MHD model) and addition of two more magnetosphere simulation models (LFM, GUMICS). Development of computations of quantities derived from model outputs, e.g., plasma-beta, temperature, pressure, currents (where not provided), E.B, derivatives such as div.B, curl.V), field line/ flow line tracings, support of computations in the CCMC's Kameleon software in collaboration with M. Maddox and D. Berrios (Code 587 and CCMC). Continued model validations (2008 GEM study: magnetic fields at geo-synchronous orbit), support of researchers using CCMC.
Education
Ph.D. Astrophysics, Ruhr University Bochum, Gerrmany (1997)
M. Sc. Theoretical Plasma Physics, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany (1993)
Selected Publications
Refereed
2023. "Validation of Ionospheric Modeled TEC in the Equatorial Ionosphere During the 2013 March and 2021 November Geomagnetic Storms." Space Weather 21 (6): [10.1029/2023sw003480] [Journal Article/Letter]
2022. "Data needs to be a priority." Frontiers in Physics 10 [10.3389/fphy.2022.1061681] [Journal Article/Letter]
2016. "GEM-CEDAR challenge: Poynting flux at DMSP and modeled Joule heat." Space Weather 14 (2): 113-135 [10.1002/2015sw001238] [Journal Article/Letter]
2015. "Assessing the performance of community-available global MHD models using key system parameters and empirical relationships." Space Weather 13 (12): 868--884 [10.1002/2015SW001307] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Evaluating the Uncertainties in the Electron Temperature and Radial Speed Measurements Using White Light Corona Eclipse Observations." Evaluating the Uncertainties in the Electron Temperature and Radial Speed Measurements Using White Light Corona Eclipse Observations 289 (6): 2021-2039 [Full Text] [10.1007/s11207-013-0467-5] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Predicting the time derivative of local magnetic perturbations." JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS 119 310-321 [10.1002/2013JA019456] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Solar filament impact on 21 January 2005: Geospace consequences." JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS 119 5401-5448 [10.1002/2013JA019748] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "CalcDeltaB: An efficient postprocessing tool to calculate ground-level magnetic perturbations from global magnetosphere simulations." SPACE WEATHER-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 12 553-565 [10.1002/2014SW001083] [Journal Article/Letter]
2014. "Anomalous dynamics of the extremely compressed magnetosphere during 21 January 2005 magnetic storm." ArXiv e-prints arXiv:1402.0927- [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Forecasting propagation and evolution of CMEs in an operational setting: What has been learned." Space Weather 11 (10): 557-574 [10.1002/swe.20096] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Comparison between vortices created and evolving during fixed and dynamic solar wind conditions." ANNALES GEOPHYSICAE 31 1463-1483 [10.5194/angeo-31-1463-2013] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "The Hohmann-Parker effect measured by the Mars Science Laboratory on the transfer from Earth to Mars: Consequences and opportunities." PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE 89 127-139 [10.1016/j.pss.2013.09.013] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Community-wide validation of geospace model ground magnetic field perturbation predictions to support model transition to operations." SPACE WEATHER-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 11 369-385 [10.1002/swe.20056] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "On the performance of global magnetohydrodynamic models in the Earth's magnetosphere." Space Weather 11 313-326 [10.1002/swe.20055] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Geospace environment modeling 2008-2009 challenge: D-st index." SPACE WEATHER-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 11 187-205 [10.1002/swe.20036] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "The Hohmann–Parker effect measured by the Mars Science Laboratory on the transfer from Earth to Mars: Consequences and opportunities." Planetary and Space Science 89 127-139 [10.1016/j.pss.2013.09.013] [Journal Article/Letter]
2013. "Comparison between vortices created and evolving during fixed and dynamic solar wind conditions." Ann. Geophys. 31 (8): 1463-1483 [10.5194/angeo-31-1463-2013] [Journal Article/Letter]
2011. "Comparison of the observed dependence of large-scale Birkeland currents on solar wind parameters with that obtained from global simulations." Annales Geophysicae 29 1809-1826 [10.5194/angeo-29-1809-2011] [Journal Article/Letter]
2011. "Propagation of a sudden impulse through the magnetosphere initiating magnetospheric Pc5 pulsations." Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics) 116 [10216-10.1029/2011JA016706] [Journal Article/Letter]
2009. "Cavities of weak magnetic field strength in the wake of FTEs: Results from global magnetospheric MHD simulations." Geophysical Research Letters 36 [10104-10.1029/2009GL037489] [Journal Article/Letter]
2009. "Ionosphere-thermosphere models at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center." RADIO SCIENCE 44 [10.1029/2008RS004108] [Journal Article/Letter]
2008. "Comparison of local energy conversion estimates from Cluster with global MHD simulations." Geophysical Research Letters 35 [21104-10.1029/2008GL035854] [Journal Article/Letter]
2008. "Role of periodic loading-unloading in the magnetotail versus interplanetary magnetic field B(z) flipping in the ring current buildup." JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS 113 (A3): [10.1029/2007JA012845] [Journal Article/Letter]
2007. "Multiscale modeling of magnetospheric reconnection." Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics) 112 [10210-10.1029/2007JA012316] [Journal Article/Letter]
2007. "Metrics analysis of the coupled Block Adaptive-Tree Solar Wind Roe-Type Upwind Scheme and Fok ring current model performance." SPACE WEATHER-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS 5 (11): [10.1029/2007SW000321] [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Scientific Visualization and Analysis via Online Access to CCMC Runs-on- Request." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts A3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Scientific Visualization and Analysis via Online Access to CCMC Runs-on- Request." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts A3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Using global magnetospheric models for simulation and interpretation of Swarm external field measurements." Earth, Planets, and Space 58 439-449 [Full Text] [10.1186/BF03351940] [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Modeling and analysis of solar wind generated contributions to the near-Earth magnetic field." Earth, Planets, and Space 58 451-461 [Full Text] [10.1186/BF03351941] [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Data Format Standardization of Space Weather Model Output at the Community Coordinated Modeling Center." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts A3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Field-aligned currents during northward interplanetary magnetic field: Morphology and causes." Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics) 110 [6205-10.1029/2004JA010802] [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Magnetosheath variations during the storm main phase on November 20, 2003: Evidence for solar wind density control of energy transfer to the magnetosphere." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Polar cap size during 14–16 July 2000 (Bastille Day) solar coronal mass ejection event: MHD modeling and satellite imager observations." J. Geophys. Res. 110 (A7): A07212 [10.1029/2004JA010672] [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Effect of multiple substorms on the buildup of the ring current." JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS 110 (A8): [10.1029/2004JA010747] [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "Simulation Study of the Inner Magnetosphere for May 2-6, 1998." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A1200- [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "Day-side Aspects of Theta-aurora." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 1219- [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "A new look at driven magnetic reconnection at the terrestrial subsolar magnetopause." JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS 109 (A12): [10.1029/2004JA010458] [Journal Article/Letter]
2003. "Magnetospheric Substorm Evolution in the Magnetotail: Challenge to Global MHD Modeling." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2003. "Magnetospheric Substorm Evolution in the Magnetotail: Challenge to Global MHD Modeling." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2002. "The Role of Data Assimilation in Modeling the Sun-Earth Connected System." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A6- [Journal Article/Letter]
2002. "Influence of Ionospheric Conductances on Magnetosphere Structure and Dynamics." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2002. "Magnetic field topology during July 14-16 2000 (Bastille Day) solar CME event." Geophysical Research Letters 29 (15): 37-1-37-4 [10.1029/2001GL014136] [Journal Article/Letter]
2001. "Scale-size-dependent model for the relation between field-aligned currents and ionospheric conductances." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A796- [Journal Article/Letter]
2000. "Erratum `Hall-MHD modeling of near-Earth magnetotail current sheet thinning and evolution'." Journal of Geophysical Research 105 10787-10788 [10.1029/2000JA000020] [Journal Article/Letter]
1999. "Hall-MHD modeling of near-Earth magnetotail current sheet thinning and evolution." J. Geophys. Res. 104 (A6): 12301-12311 [10.1029/1999JA900138] [Journal Article/Letter]
1999. "Patchy reconnection and evolution of multiple plasmoids in the Earth's magnetotail: Effects on near-Earth current system." J. Geophys. Res. 104 (A11): 25011-25020 [10.1029/1999JA900375] [Journal Article/Letter]
1998. "Three-Dimensional Hall-MHD Simulations of the Formation and Structure of Thin Current Sheets in the Magnetotail." Substorms-4 238 409- [Journal Article/Letter]
1997. "The role of helicity in the reconnection process." Advances in Space Research 19 [1789-10.1016/S0273-1177(97)00077-X] [Journal Article/Letter]
1997. "Magnetic reconnection in a magnetosphere-accretion-disk system. Axisymmetric stationary states and two-dimensional reconnection simulations." Astronomy and Astrophysics 323 923-930 [Journal Article/Letter]
1996. "The Equilibrium Structure of the Boundary Layer between the Magnetosphere and the Accretion Disk of an Aligned Rotator." Astrophysical Letters and Communications 34 357- [Journal Article/Letter]
Non-Refereed
2007. "Heliophysical Modeling at the CCMC - Community Modeling Activities to Compliment the VHGO." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A264- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "The Role of Periodic Loading-Unloading in the Magnetotail vs IMF Bz Flipping in the Ring Current Buildup." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A300- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Collisionless Reconnection in Global Modeling of Magnetospheric Dynamics." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Cross-polar-cap potential as function of ionosphere conductance." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Scientific Visualization and Analysis via Online Access to CCMC Runs-on- Request." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts A3- [Journal Article/Letter]
2006. "Buildup of the Ring Current During Periodical Loading-Unloading Cycle in the Magnetotail Driven by the Steady Southward IMF." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts 4- [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Polar cap size metrics study at CCMC." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A341- [Journal Article/Letter]
2005. "Fast Magnetotail Reconnection: Challenge to Global MHD Modeling." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts A2- [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "Energy Budget in Global Magnetosphere-Ionosphere simulations." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts SM41B-08 [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "Scientific visualizations through the Web at CCMC." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2004. "Intermittent Reconnection, Flux Ropes and Vortices Generation at the Dayside Magnetopause." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 387- [Journal Article/Letter]
2003. "Magnetospheric Substorm Evolution in the Magnetotail: Challenge to Global MHD Modeling." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2002. "Modeling Saw-Tooth Injections During April 17-18, 2002." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts 439- [Journal Article/Letter]
2002. "Magnetic Reconnection Locations in 3D MHD Simulations of Magnetospheric Dynamics." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts 7- [Journal Article/Letter]
2001. "Scale-size-dependent model for the relation between field-aligned currents and ionospheric conductances." AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts A796- [Journal Article/Letter]
2001. "About the Inflow Boundary Condition for Forecasting Simulations of Magnetospheric Dynamics." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts 22- [Journal Article/Letter]
2001. "Magnetic Field Line Topology in MHD Simulation Compared With IMAGE and POLAR Imaging Data for the Bastille Day Event." AGU Spring Meeting Abstracts 31- [Journal Article/Letter]