 Space physics. Space physics is the study of plasmas as they occurred naturally in the Earth's upper atmosphere aeronomy and within the Solar System. As such, it encompasses a far-ranging number of topics, such as he live of physics which includes the Solar Physics of the Sun, the Solar Wind, planetary magnetospheres and ionospheres, or rauras, cosmic rays, and synchrotron radiation. Space physics is a fundamental part of the study of space whether and has important implications in not only to understanding the universe, but also for practical everyday life, including the operations of communications and weather satellites. Space physics is distinct from astrophysical plasma and the field of astrophysics, which studies similar plasma phenomena beyond the Solar System. Space physics utilizes in-situ measurements from high altitude rockets and spacecraft, in contrast to astrophysical plasma that relies deduction of theory and astronomical observation.