Explores the physical processes linking the Sun and planets, emphasizing solar radiative and particulate variability and the response of planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres. Topics include the solar dynamo, solar wind, coronal mass ejections, cosmic ray modulation, magnetospheres, aurora, the space environment, and climate variability. Prereqs./coreqs., PHYS 2130 or 2170 and MATH 2400 or APPM 2350. Recommended prereq., PHYS 3310. Elective for APS major and minor.