The Sun is 150 million kilometres (93 million miles) away, yet is near enough to “affect terrestrial affairs in any sensible degree; and its influence upon them is such that it is hard to find the word to name it” (Charles Young 1896, an American astronomer who was the first to see the green spectral line of the solar corona). More than a century after Young’s statement, scientists are still striving to understand the complex ways through which the Sun influences our planet.

“My research interests focus on the Sun-Earth connection and the dynamic physical processes involved,” says Dr. Daglis. “As the Sun is our star and Earth is our home planet, their connection cannot be overemphasized and it is obvious that it is of particular interest! Apart from the “sentimental connection” though, the complex interplay of physical processes of Sun-Earth connection is scientifically very intriguing.”

The heat received by the Sun drives clouds and rain and ultimately the Earth’s climate; the sunlight drives plant photosynthesis, which is at the origin of the food chain that all living beings on Earth are part of. Yet the Sun influences the planet in a less perceptible by humans, though dramatic way, through the interplanetary magnetic field, the solar wind (plasma escaping the solar corona and invading the interplanetary space) and even more violent phenomena, such as coronal mass ejections (discharges of coronal material containing up to 11,000 million tons of solar matter traveling at a million miles per hour). These can trigger aurorae and other electromagnetic disturbances on Earth, the so-called magnetic storms, which may affect severely ground-based power systems, space-born satellite and navigation systems, communications, manned space flights and the Earth's climate, endangering human health or life.

“The major challenge is still the comprehensive understanding of the synergy of coupled elementary physical processes that results in complex collective phenomena of explosive energy dissipation” says Dr. Daglis. “The next major challenge is the ability to accurately forecast the dynamics of space weather processes” (space weather refers to conditions on the Sun and in the solar wind, the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere).

Scientists are still working hard in trying to accurately forecast space weather, as they do for Earth’s weather. Timely warning of an imminent geomagnetic storm could save the satellite operators, power and telecommunication companies millions of euros/dollars of damage and more importantly potentially save human lives. Dr. Daglis’ future research plans are clearly to “continue investigating the dynamic influence of the Sun on Earth and the other planets and to contribute to forecasting the phenomena involved”.

“I first became interested in space science during a summer visit to the Institute for Astrophysics and Extraterrestrial Research of the University of Bonn in Germany, when I was studying Physics at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Macedonia, Greece.” Dr. Daglis worked on his PhD in Space Plasma Electrodynamics at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (Germany) and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (USA). “The major challenge in my career was to stay active in space research under initially unfavourable conditions, when I returned to Greece after leaving a hyper-active group at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, where I had spent 7 years”.

Despite difficulties faced upon returning to Greece, Dr. Daglis excelled as a scientist and served in positions of highest responsibility, at home and abroad. “Nothing in life is easy - why should it?” he says. “Hard work and determination are key parameters to a successful career.” But he also adds: “It is of utmost importance to enjoy what you are doing; if you really enjoy your work, nothing else really matters”.

Speaking of the beginnings of the MAARBLE project, Dr. Daglis mentions: “I had become fascinated by the potentially decisive role of ultra-low frequency waves in radiation belt dynamics and by some special characteristics of them.” The wavelength of these waves is huge – comparable to the size of Earth itself! “I am intrigued by all kinds of waves. One of my favourite paintings is the “Great wave” of the famous Japanese artist Hokusai”.

“Through my long-time research on the energetic plasma population known as the ring current, I also became very interested in the high-end of energetic plasma in geospace, namely the radiation belts” says Dr. Daglis. The radiation belts are – just like the ring current – very much influenced by the most complex impulsive phenomenon in geospace, the magnetic storms. But the question has always been HOW” he adds.

Dr. Daglis decided that a project investigating the role of low frequency waves in energetic electron dynamics, involving some of the best research teams worldwide, would be a worthwhile endeavour. “And I was lucky enough to receive positive responses from leading scientists in our field to the invitation to join the effort”. As a result, the MAARBLE project has united cutting-edge know-how, leading to important synergy in radiation belt research. “I feel very privileged and happy to coordinate this top consortium”, Dr. Daglis concludes. As a devoted mountain enthusiast, he is obviously very fond of tops!