Summary of Conference:

Much of the galaxy is comprised of partially ionized plasma, and observations from satellites as diverse as Chandra, IBEX, Hinode, Cassini, IMAGE, and Hubble are revealing the pervasiveness of processes coupling neutral gas and plasma. IBEX, for example, is measuring the distribution of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) created by charge exchange in the boundaries of the heliosphere, and providing a complex tomographic perspective of the large-scale bubble surrounding the Sun. The atmospheres of the Sun and stars are partially ionized plasmas and the physics of these regions are important in determining wind chemical compositions and acceleration, and might be relevant for the processes of planet formation and evolution.  In particular, the solar photosphere and chromosphere are partially ionized plasmas that contain magnetic fields, shocks, and turbulent motions, with ion/neutral interactions that are key to determining what kinds of particles escape into the solar wind. On much larger scales, Chandra observes x-ray emissions from regions of the sky that evidently possess a complex partially ionized plasma environment. And of course, unmagentized planetary and cometary neutral atmospheres interact with the solar wind through charge exchange coupling and photoionization. Similarly, the magnetospheres of the gas giants interact with the neutral gases produced from a variety of moons in a complex manner. Finally, terrestrial gamma ray bursts and the connection to lightening in a partially ionized atmosphere is yet a further example that is currently being explored by Fermi.

The 2010 Huntsville Workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss what we know about these processes, refine the scientific questions that need to be addressed to progress in their understanding, explore the direction of future experimental and theoretical research, and consider applications to future exploration of our heliosphere and galaxy. The workshop focus on interdisciplinary sessions will provide for fruitful discussions and a broad basis for further understanding the physics involved in these processes.