[SPA] SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER, Volume XXIX, Issue 5

[Newsletter Editor]

AMERICAN GEOPHYSICAL UNION
SPA SECTION NEWSLETTER
Volume XXIX, Issue 5
Jan.21,2022

***********************************************************************

Table of Contents

1. Passing of Randy Jokipii

***********************************************************************

Announcement Submission Website: http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g


1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1

Passing of Randy Jokipii

From: Joe Giacalone (giacalon at email.arizona.edu), Bill Hubbard, Jozsef Kota, K. C. Hsieh, Marcia Neugebauer, Neil Sheeley Jr., and Gary Zank

We are deeply saddened that our friend and colleague Jack Randolph “Randy” Jokipii died on January 7, 2022. Randy was a pioneer in the physics of cosmic-ray transport in the heliosphere and Galaxy. His theoretical work on charged-particle transport still reverberates through the literature today. He introduced the quasi-linear theory of particle diffusion in turbulent magnetic fields, and was the first to use this to determine cosmic-ray diffusion coefficients, used to model cosmic-ray modulation in the heliosphere, particle acceleration at shock waves, and solar-energetic particle emissions. He emphasized the importance of cosmic-ray drift motions, including drifts along the wavy heliospheric current sheet, which led to his prediction of the 22-year cosmic-ray cycle. Randy made significant contributions in the physics of particle acceleration at shocks, emphasizing the importance of the magnetic field. He was the first to note that so-called perpendicular shocks accelerate particles the most rapidly, which has significant implications for our understanding of cosmic-ray acceleration at supernovae remnants, the solar-wind termination shock, and shocks from the Sun.  He was also a pioneer in numerical modeling of cosmic-ray transport and had a major impact in our understanding of galactic and anomalous cosmic rays in the heliosphere.

Randy was born in Ironwood MI, on Sep 10, 1939. He received a BSc in physics from the University of Michigan in 1961, and a PhD in physics from the California Institute of Technology, working with Leverett Davis, Jr. Randy then worked with Gene Parker as a postdoctoral research associate. In 1967, he became Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago, and in 1969 returned to Caltech as Assistant Professor of Theoretical Physics. In 1974, he moved to the University of Arizona (UAz), where he was hired as Professor in the Lunar & Planetary Laboratory (LPL), and in the new Department of Planetary Sciences (PtyS), with a joint appointment in Astronomy, by the new LPL director Charles P. “Chuck” Sonett. Randy had a major impact at the UAz, joining LPL at a key point in its history during the transition from the observational astronomy unit LPL into LPL/PtyS, a multidisciplinary research and teaching unit operating under the rubric of solar-system exploration, staffed with observers, experimentalists, and theorists from all relevant fields, meeting the highest professional standards. He established the Theoretical Astrophysics Program at the UAz in 1985. In 1997, Randy was named a Regents Professor. In 2001, he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He became Professor Emeritus in 2015. He is a fellow of both the AGU and APS. He served on numerous important external committees, such as NASA senior review panels, NAS/CSSP, NRC Associates Program, and AGU/SPA secretary. Randy participated in the “Colgate Committee,” which released a National Academy of Science report on “Space Plasma Physics: The Study of Solar System Plasmas” in 1975. The study was a forerunner of today’s Decadal Studies and played a significant role in placing space plasma physics on a firm theoretical footing.

Randy leaves us with many fond memories of his passion for science, food, and world travels. He enjoyed chatting about a wide variety of topics – always the great storyteller. He loved to travel and once circumnavigated the globe. He met Indira Gandhi on a trip to India, proudly displaying a picture of the encounter in his office. Those who worked with him closely remember fondly the numerous, deep, sometimes frustrating, but always productive science discussions. He was always open and encouraging to new ideas, approaching them from the same perspective of physical integrity and robustness.  Randy will be remembered for his devotion to intellectual honesty and always standing by his principles. He was a role model for younger scientists.

Randy is preceded in death by his wife of more than 55 years, Bonnie, and his son Galen. He is survived by sons Aaron and Kevin.

A somewhat longer obituary, including the opportunity to read and submit remembrances and comments, can be found at https://www.lpl.arizona.edu/remembering-randy-jokipii.


***** SUBSCRIPTION AND ANNOUNCEMENT REQUESTS *****

The AGU Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) Section Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. Back issues are available at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/pipermail/spa/

To request announcements for distribution by the newsletter, please use the online submission form at:
http://goo.gl/forms/qjcm4dDr4g

To subscribe to the newsletter, please go to the web page at:
http://lists.igpp.ucla.edu/mailman/listinfo/spa
(Do not use this web page to post announcements.)

NOTE: Due to the large number of SPA-related sessions at major conferences, the SPA Newsletter can no longer accept announcement requests for individual sessions at AGU, AOGS, COSPAR, EGU, or IAGA Meetings. Titles and web links (if available) of these sessions will be distributed in a special issue of the Newsletter before the abstract deadline.

SPA Web Site: http://spa.agu.org/

SPA Newsletter Editorial Team: Peter Chi (Editor), Guan Le (Co-Editor), Sharon Uy, Marjorie Sowmendran, and Kevin Addison

*************** END OF NEWSLETTER ****************