Dr. Wen Li

Plasma waves in space play a crucial role in altering the energy and momentum of particles across various energies and species. Our research focuses on the generation and propagation of plasma waves in the Earth's magnetosphere and lunar plasma environment, including whistler-mode chorus, plasmaspheric hiss, VLF transmitter waves, lightning-generated whistlers, magnetosonic waves, and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. We utilize multi-satellite observations, theoret

Particle precipitation into the upper atmosphere is an important loss process in the Earth's inner magnetosphere and the driver of pulsating and diffuse aurora. Magnetospheric waves, which play a dominant role in causing energetic electron precipitation loss, include whistler-mode chorus, plasmaspheric hiss, lightning generated whistlers, VLF transmitter waves, ElectroMagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves, etc. We study the quantitative roles of various plasma waves in energeti

Earth’s radiation belt particles, often referred to as "killer" particles, pose a significant threat to satellite operations by potentially damaging critical electronics and causing system anomalies. Through multi-satellite observations (e.g., Van Allen Probes, THEMIS) and advanced simulations, we study the key physical processes governing the acceleration, loss, and transport of these high-energy electrons and protons within the radiation belts. Van Allen Probes mission [C

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and is found to have spectacular aurora and astonishingly strong radiation belts compared to the Earth. Using data from NASA’s Juno mission, we study the mechanisms behind particle acceleration to ultra-relativistic energies and gain new insights into the processes that generate Jupiter’s vibrant auroras. Dr. Li has been serving as a Co-I in the Juno mission since 2021. NASA's Juno mission [Credit: NASA] Orbits of the Juno

Understanding the solar wind drivers that influence the dynamic evolution of waves and particles in Earth's magnetosphere is essential for improving space weather prediction. Our research studies the detailed relationships between key solar wind drivers—such as Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), High-Speed Streams (HSSs), and Solar Wind Pressure Pulses—and the resulting wave and particle dynamics within Earth's inner magnetosphere using unprecedented multi-satellite observations.