New Scope for JGR Space Physics

We have a new “aims and scope” statement for JGR Space Physics. It reads:

JGR: Space Physics is dedicated to the publication of new and original research in the broad field of space science. This embraces aeronomy, magnetospheric physics, planetary atmospheres, ionospheres and magnetospheres, solar and interplanetary physics, cosmic rays, and heliospheric physics. Science that links interactions between space science and other components of the Sun-Earth system are encouraged, as are multidisciplinary and system-level science papers.

JGR: Space Physics welcomes theoretical, numerical, or observational manuscripts as well as submissions on new instrumentation, numerical models, or analysis methods, as long as such papers include an illustrative example demonstrating direct and timely relevance to space research. Authors are strongly encouraged to make very clear in their manuscript the new science or technology contribution to the field.

JGR: Space Physics also encourages the members to the space science research community to submit proposals for topical reviews, commentaries, and special collections to the Editors.

The old scope was quite brief, basically a short version of the second sentence. This new scope clarifies the full range of topics included in the journal as well as the types of papers that can be submitted. Here are some notable changes from the old version.

We have dropped the word “external” in front of “solar physics.” We are encouraging the submission of papers that span the entire breadth of phenomena that influence solar, interplanetary, and planetary space environments. This includes processes within the convective zone of the Sun that influence the solar magnetic field and solar atmosphere.

We have included explicit mention of multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and system-level science studies. As long as there is relevance to a core discipline within space science, then papers including connections to other fields, or even focused on something beyond the normal scope, are welcome.

Not every paper has to have a significant original scientific contribution to space science. JGR Space Physics accepts submissions of several other types of papers for which the publication criteria do not include this “high bar” of original research. First, there are Technical Reports, oriented towards either “data” or “methods,” that should describe a new resource or capability that others in the community should find useful. These papers must include a discussion that demonstrates how it could be used to advance understanding of space physics but it does not have to include the scientific advancement in the Technical Reports paper.

Another paper type in this category is the Topical Review. Again, this does not have to include an original research component, in fact they shouldn’t, but it should include a discussion of the relevance and timeliness of compiling the review now. Note that these are not meant to be as lengthy as a Reviews of Geophysics article, nor written for the broader audience of that journal, but rather focused on a particular issue and written for those in the field. Note that these need editorial board approval before submission; please send us an email.

Finally, there are Commentaries, about which I have recently written. A Commentary is a short “perspectives” article that addresses a particular space science topic and does one of the following: explain the importance of that issue, synthesize recent developments, discuss a controversy, or provide context around an unresolved mystery. They can also be used to provide a scientific evaluation on a recent meeting, a classic paper, or a notable anniversary or event in the field. Until we see how they work in this journal, we are requiring editorial board approval before submission. Like topical reviews, send us an email.

The last thing mentioned in the new scope are special collections, also known as special sections or special issues. These also require editorial board approval, but there is actually an AGU form available for these. The list of published special collections is here and the list of open special collections is here.