The wealth of observational data from multiple spacecraft currently in operation at different locations around the inner heliosphere can set constraints to the morphology and topology of various solar and heliospheric structures, such as coronal holes, active regions, prominence eruptions, streamers, Extreme Ultra Violet waves, co-rotating interaction regions and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to name a few. Furthermore, such observations can provide valuable information regarding the propagation behavior of transient structures. This behavior is governed to a high degree by the ambient magnetic field and plasma flow in which these structures are embedded, which has important effects on the geo and planetary-effectiveness of, for example, CMEs. As such, the preconditioning of interplanetary space has immediate consequences for predicting the arrival times and impact speeds of CMEs and is, therefore, an important parameter for (Planetary) Space Weather forecasting.

This session focuses on studies covering observations at multiple vantage points, remote and in-situ, as well as theories and simulations from which the structuring of interplanetary space may be identified and how this may affect disturbances evolving in the inner heliosphere.

The ability of a coronal mass ejection (CME) to disturb the near-Earth space environment is determined by its magnetic and dynamic properties, most importantly by the magnitude and duration of the southward interplanetary magnetic field component. However, current limitations with predicting solar wind parameters, in particular the magnetic field vectors in Earth-impacting CMEs, severely restrict the accuracy of long lead-time space weather forecasts. This introduces a significant problem since most space weather forecast end-users need reliable warnings at least half a day ahead with minimal false alarms.

This session aims at a synergy and discussion of methods, based on combining observations, theory and modeling for predicting CME magnetic and dynamic properties relevant for improving long lead-time space weather forecasts. This includes overcoming limitations in making adequate remote-sensing observations of key parameters and in addition, in estimating the deformation of the CME and changes in its geometrical parameters (due to rotation and deflection) during the coronal and interplanetary propagation. Papers focusing on estimating magnetic field vectors within CMEs with embedded flux ropes are particularly encouraged. We also highly welcome papers estimating the magnetic field and plasma properties within turbulent CME sheath regions, which may also have strong out-of-ecliptic magnetic fields, and hence, drive strong space weather storms.

The last years have seen a golden age in the relationship between the European space-weather research community and the European Commission (EC). On the one side, the space-weather community has advised the EC on what is the current state of the art and on future research needs. On the other side, the EC has funded and in other ways fostered the scientific activities in this field. The future, upcoming calls already foresee a space weather component. This session aims to provide a forum for past and present projects to describe their results, sharing them with other projects and allowing a cross-cut fusion of expertise. We further aim to facilitate the exchange of ideas and results between different ongoing projects. Last but not least, the session aims to provide meaningful input to interested researchers seeking future opportunities for interacting with the EC and to the EC and other European funding agencies, such as the European Space Agency (ESA), to collect feedback by the community.

While electrons and protons experience the same radial diffusion from field fluctuations, their dynamic behaviour in the radiation belts differs mainly because of local wave-particle interactions for electrons and charge exchange for protons. Comparing dynamics of protons and electrons should help us understanding better the balance between acceleration and loss processes during magnetic storms as well as during quiet times.

This session shall focus on recent studies of the effects of wave-particle interactions, radial transport, charge exchange, etc., on the Earth and other planetary radiation belts. We encourage the submission of papers on related modelling, studies revisiting previous missions, ongoing missions such as Van Allen Probes, THEMIS, MMS, and future missions such as ERG and small satellites /cubesat missions and Juno that will explore high latitude radiation environment on Jupiter.

This joint session invites papers that are related to the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. It addresses the topical fields of the VarSITI (Variability of the Sun and Its Terrestrial Impact) program initiated by SCOSTEP, focusing on the role of the sun and the middle atmosphere/thermosphere/ionosphere in climate (ROSMIC). Contributions studying radiation, chemistry, energy balance, atmospheric tides, planetary waves, gravity waves, neutral-ion coupling, and the interaction of the various processes involved are welcome. This includes work on model data as well as measurements from satellites and ground based platforms such as ALOMAR.

Since the present deep minimum of Solar Cycle 24, provides the quietest sun seen in history, a dedicated study of the impact of this deep minimum on various aspects of heliospheric physics and space weather will provide the main thrust of this session. (With special reference to planetary atmospheres, conditions in interplanetary space, impact on Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere)

The aim of this session is to bring together communities interested in Solar-Terrestrial relations, Space Weather and solar physics, including observing and modeling. Our session is to opens major new research in cross fertilization between the Sun and its influence on heliospheric physics and space weather.

The presentations and discussions at the session also focuses on identifying the highest priority needs for operational services that can guide future researches and identifying new high-value capabilities that can be transitioned into operations in Space physics, solar interactions.

Variability of the incoming solar irradiance and its effects on climate have received wide attention over the recent years. There is a continuous effort to reduce uncertainties in measurements of the total and spectral solar spectral irradiances, physical and empirical modelling have undergone considerable progress and novel statistical analyses have been employed. At the same time, numerical models and observations are extensively used to characterize the influence of the solar irradiance variability on climate. This session invites abstracts on measurements and models of solar spectral and total irradiance as well as abstracts on the atmospheric response to solar irradiance variability. Abstracts on comparison of atmospheric effects to different solar irradiance datasets are particularly welcome.