Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 15:48:53 +0100
From: Henri-Claude Nataf 
_________________________________________________________________________________

We are pleased to announce the launch of the following Winter School :

                                          PLANETARY DYNAMOS

                               in honour of Professor Friedrich Busse

                                       March 30 - April 4, 2003

                                          Center of Physics

                                             Les Houches

                                                France

	Nearly all celestial objects produce or have produced a magnetic field.
Since 1935, it is admitted that the physical mechanism responsible
forthis is the self-sustained dynamo mechanism : motions in an
electrically conducting fluid generate a magnetic field.
	It is only recently that consistent numerical models of planetary
dynamos have been constructed. The rotation of the planet plays an
important role in these models. Open questions include the physics of
magnetic field reversals and the identification of the relevant dynamic
regiomes.
	In year 2000, two experimental dynamos have produced a magnetic field,
in Riga and in Karlsruhe. This success opens the way for further
experiments that will include some of the ingredients of planetary
dynamos.
	On the observational side, things are moving quickly as well, with
spectacular data on the Earth's magnetic field measured in several
satellite missions, and surprising magnetic signatures on Mars and other
objects of the solar system. 

	This one-week workshop will survey the several fields that contribute
to the understanding of planetary dynamos, with input from geophysics,
astrophycis, physics, mathematics and mechanics.
Graduate students and young researchers are particularly welcome, and
the lecturers will try to convey a well-structured image of the topic
they cover.
	As usual in Les Houches, there will be plenty of time for discussions
and interactions. The goal is that all participants depart with new
ideas and new projects that will contribute to a renewed understanding
of planetary dynamos.

Please consult : www-lgit.obs.ujf-grenoble.fr/houches/index.htm