Modelling space weather plasma physics

Abstract We start with a brief introduction to the many faces of the Sun, the dynamic star that is the main source of space weather. We explain the need for spacecraft observations, the structure of the solar atmosphere, and the Sun's magnetic cycle. Next, we focus on the Sun's influence on Earth, define what 'space weather' means, and briefly discuss its effects on our technology and their related socio-economic impact. Then, we present data-driven, physics-based simulation models with predictive capabilities that enable forecasting and mitigation. We focus on the models developed by my team at KU Leuven and the results and predictions obtained with them: the heliospheric wind and CME evolution models EUHFORIA and ICARUS, the global solar corona model COCONUT, and the solar energetic particle acceleration and transport model PARADISE. We end with a few take-home messages.