Energetic charged particle precipitation from the magnetosphere is a critical driver of space plasma interactions with Earth’s atmosphere and ionosphere. These precipitation, driven by various mechanisms across multiple timescales and energy ranges, can penetrate different layers of the ionosphere, reaching as deep as the upper atmosphere, where they alter its chemical composition and produce significant radiation effects. Accurate and continuous monitoring of these events is thus essential for advancing space weather forecasting and modeling. In this presentation, I will explore how the growing fleet of low-altitude CubeSats is improving our understanding of the physics behind energetic particle precipitation and their impact on the ionosphere and atmosphere. Additionally, I will highlight promising directions for CubeSat development tailored to space weather applications and discuss opportunities for students interested in exploring the dynamics of energetic particle precipitation.

*Refreshments: 2:30 - 3:00 PM (Atrium 2)