The Hermanus Magnetic Observatory is not a degree conferring institute. Students wishing to study at the HMO will register at one of the South African universities, but will undertake research at the HMO. As such, the student will usually have two thesis supervisors/advisers: one at the university at which they register and the other at the HMO itself. Students are encouraged to register at a university which has a track record in plasma and/or space physics research.

The necessity for registering at a university should not be seen as a drawback, rather it has important benefits for the student (see below).

Why study in Hermanus?
The HMO is situated in the tranquil, scenic village of Hermanus. Many offices have windows which look out onto beautiful mountain scenery. Within the HMO grounds are many species of fynbos, tortoises, birds and buck. An important benefit of studying at the HMO is the peaceful environment, which is conducive to research. Students can enjoy the peaceful environment of a research institute, while maintaining all the benefits of being registered at a University.

What kind of physics do we do?

Currently, the fields of expertise of the researchers within the group are: waves, instabilities and coherent nonlinear phenomena such as solitons and double layers in dusty plasmas; characterization of the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere by means of dual frequency GPS data; computerised ionospheric tomography; ionospheric modelling using neural networks; the magnetohydrodynamics of the earth's magnetosphere using SuperDARN radar; and ultra low frequency (ULF) Pi2 geomagnetic pulsations within the Earth's magnetosphere. Students unfamiliar with these terms should consult the online plasma dictionary.

An added benefit of being registered at a university and having two supervisors is the fact that the project can draw on the knowledge of two experts with different fields of expertise. This broadens the potential choice of research projects considerably.

Possible research projects might include, but are not limited to:

• analytical and/or numerical modelling of linear waves and instabilities in space plasmas
• coherent (solitons/double layers) and incoherent (turbulent) nonlinear waves
• velocity diffusion of charged particles in weakly-nonlinear wave fields and their application to particle precipitation in the earth's magnetosphere.

Computing Facilities
The HMO has a large number of Pentium IV class PCs running either Linux or MS-Windows. We have Salford and Absoft Fortran 95 compilers, and GNU gcc/g++. The institute has a printer/copier/fax room where high speed colour and monochrome printers are housed.

BSc Honours in Space Physics
Prospective BSc Honours students will register at a South African university or with the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP).

Students not accepted for the NASSP programme may apply to the HMO for a bursary to cover accommodation and tuition fees.

During university vacations students will do their project work under the guidance of HMO research staff in Hermanus. During this time students will be given free accommodation in the HMO's student/guest self-catering residence. Students who successfully complete the BSc Honours degree will be considered for the MSc degree programme.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain a good BSc degree in physics, mathematics, and/or applied mathematics.

MSc in Space Physics
Prospective MSc students will register at a South African university or with the National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP).

Students not accepted for the NASSP programme may apply to the HMO for a bursary to cover accommodation and tuition fees.

During university vacations students will do their project work under the guidance of HMO research staff in Hermanus. During this time students will be given free accommodation in the HMO's student/guest self-catering residence. Students who successfully complete the MSc degree will be considered for PhD Studentship posts at the HMO.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain a good BSc Honours degree in physics.

PhD Studentship

The HMO requires dynamic and imaginative MSc graduates for PhD Studentship contract appointments in Space Physics. As part of your research you will be expected to spend up to 30% of your research hours on routine HMO related tasks, such as providing assistance to other research staff and providing guidance to Honours and Masters students; however, at least 70% of your research hours will be available for you to pursue research directly related to your PhD degree.

Applicants should have, or expect to obtain a good MSc degree in space physics.

NASSP
NASSP is an acronym that stands for National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme. More information can be found at the official website http://www.star.ac.za/. Students may participate in NASSP, but this is not a mandatory requirement for study at the HMO.

Applicants for the NASSP BSc Honours and MSc degree programmes in Space Physics should apply directly to the NASSP Coordinator at the following address:

Dr Peter Dunsby
NASSP Coordinator
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch 7701

[See http://www.star.ac.za/how.php for application procedure and check list].

Applicants should also inform the HMO of their application and send copies of the detailed CV, the letter of motivation, and the names and contact details of the referees to the address below.