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About Space Weather 

The International Space Weather Camp (ISWC) is an opportunity to learn about space physics in the context of meeting a very practical need — to understand the influence of the Sun on the space and upper atmosphere of the Earth and its related impact on the technological systems and needs of modern society. This is a new, exciting, and emerging discipline called Space Weather, which has attracted the attention of the White House and senior leaders in government because of the importance of ensuring that our technology investments are properly protected against severe Space Weather. Over twenty students from Alabama, Germany, and South Africa participate in a multiple-week series of lectures, hands-on projects, experiments, and excursions as they learn both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications of Space Weather and solar and space physics.

About the Camp

The International Space Weather Camp is now a partnership between FTPP (UAH), and the DLR (University of Rostock). Because of the considerable historical ties between Huntsville and the state of Mecklenburg Vorpommern (Germany) in the development of rockets, missiles, and eventually manned space flight, the International Space Weather Camp was created to forge ties and develop communication between these two regions that have had such an impact on the 20th century.

The two primary initiators of the International Space Weather Camp were the Director of CSPAR, Gary Zank, and the former Vice President of Research, John Horack, together with their colleagues at the DLR in Neustrelitz, Wolfgang Mett, Holger Wandsleb, and Wolfgang Schareck (Rektor of the University of Rostock).

The International Space Weather Camp (selected topics course SPA489 and SPA689) covers various aspects related to Space Weather, comprising cosmic ray particle transport theory, plasma physics, solar physics, heliospheric physics, computer simulations for modeling and understanding local Space Weather, and the impact on Earth’s atmosphere, satellites, and space vehicles.

Since its launch in 2011, the ISWC reoccurs annually.

Partnerships

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ISWC 2025

This year, ISWC offers a dynamic learning experience through two consecutive sessions. The first half of the camp, students will engage in a internatonal exploration at German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Neustrelitz, Germany. Participants will engage in hands on research, gaining valuable insight, and fostering a wider global perspective. Transitioning to the second half, students will immerse themselves in an enriching academic environment at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, located in Huntsville, Alabama. Engaging in hands-on research projects, they will delve into cutting-edge topics. Before starting however, there will be a mandatory pre-camp session at UAH, Huntsville, AL.

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NEWS - WHNT ISWC 2023

It has been the best experience of my life.

Student
ISWC 2024

Overall, it was a very well-organized camp, far surpassing my expectations. I have no doubt I will cherish this experience for many years to come. I have no doubt it has altered my life trajectory from here on out. Thank you again for the superb experience and hospitality.

Student
ISWC 2024