Ongoing space physics – Astrophysics connections Original Research Article

I review several ongoing connections between space physics and astrophysics: (a) Measurements of energetic particle spectra have confirmed theoretical prediction of the highest energy to which shocks can accelerate particles, and this has direct bearing on the origin of the highest energy cosmic rays: (b) Mass ejection in solar flares may help us to understand photon ejection in the giant flares of magnetar outbursts: (c) Measurements of electron heat fluxes in the solar wind can help us to understand whether heat flux in tenuous astrophysical plasma is in accordance with the classical Spitzer–Harm formula or whether it is reduced well below this value by plasma instabilities.