Advances in the Researches of the Middle and Upper Atmosphere in China in 2014—2016

In this report the research results by Chinese scientists in 2014-2016 are summarized. The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere, specifically the researches associated with ground-based observation capability development, dynamical processes, and properties of circulation and chemistry-climate coupling of the middle atmospheric layers.     

Advances in the Researches of the Middle and Upper Atmosphere in China

In this report we summarize the research results by Chinese scientists in 2018-2020. The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere, specifically the researches on atmospheric structure and composition, climate and chemistry-climate coupling and climate modelling, dynamics in particular those inducing the coupling of the atmospheric layers.     

Advances in the Researches of the Middle and Upper Atmosphere in China in 2012–2014

In this report we summarize the research results by Chinese scientists in 2012–2014. The focuses are placed on the researches of the middle and upper atmosphere, specifically the researches related to ground-based observation capability development, dynamical processes, the property of circulation and chemistry-climate coupling of the middle atmospheric layers.     

Advances in the Researches in Middle and Upper Atmosphere in 2006—2008

This paper summarizes the research results obtained by Chinese scientists and/or through international collaborations in 2006—2008.Specifically,this paper focus on the research fields in the middle and upper atmosphere,including developments in facilities and instruments,and the advancements in scientific issues.     

Research Advances of Solar Corona and Interplanetary Physics in China: 2012–2014

Solar transients and their related interplanetary counterparts have severe effects on the space environments of the Earth. Therefore, the research of solar corona and interplanetary physics has become the focus of study for both solar and space scientists. Considerable progress has been achieved in these aspects by the solar and space physics community of China during 2012–2014, which will be given in this report. The brief report summarizes the research advances of solar corona and interplanetary physics into the following parts: solar wind origin and turbulence, coronal waves and seismology, solar eruptions, solar energetic particle and galactic cosmic ray, magnetic reconnection,Magnetohydrodynamic(MHD) models and their applications, waves and structures in solar wind,propagation of ICMEs/shocks and their arrival time predictions. These research achievements have been achieved by Chinese solar and space scientists independently or via international collaborations.     

A Review of the Ionospheric Investigations in China: Progress During 2008—2010

In the ionospheric research, various progresses have been made during the last two years. This paper reviews the recent works of Chinese scientists. For convenience, the contents include: ionospheric storms and space weather; ionospheric irregularities and scintillation; ionospheric variability; ionospheric disturbances; ionospheric response to solar eclipses; ionospheric coupling with atmosphere and lithosphere; ionospheric climatology; ionospheric modeling; and ionospheric prediction and application.     

Article

Planning for extraterrestrial sample returns--whether from Mars or other solar system bodies--must be done in a way that integrates planetary protection concerns with the usual mission technical and scientific considerations. Understanding and addressing legitimate societal concerns about the possible risks of sample return will be a critical part of the public decision making process ahead. This paper presents the results of two studies, one with lay audiences, the other with expert microbiologists designed to gather information on attitudes and concerns about sample return risks and planetary protection. Focus group interviews with lay subjects, using generic information about Mars sample return and a preliminary environmental impact assessment, were designed to obtain an indication of how the factual content is perceived and understood by the public. A research survey of microbiologists gathered information on experts' views and attitudes about sample return, risk management approaches and space exploration risks. These findings, combined with earlier research results on risk perception, will be useful in identifying levels of concern and potential conflicts in understanding between experts and the public about sample return risks. The information will be helpful in guiding development of the environmental impact statement and also has applicability to proposals for sample return from other solar system bodies where scientific uncertainty about extraterrestrial life may persist at the time of mission planning.