Sachin Alexander Reddy

Publications

In descending order of date. See Google Scholar for the full, up-to-date list.

2026
LEAP: A Rapid Neural Surrogate of Multi-Fluid MHD at Europa
Reddy, S. A., Azari, A., Cochrane, C., Jia, X., Nordheim, T., Harris, C., Mandrake, L., Vance, S. and Ciuca, I.. arXiv preprint arXiv:2601.00000, .
What we did

We developed a transformer-based surrogate model of a multi-fluid MHD code that is accurate and runs instantaneously, enabling new science via parameter surveys and simulation-based inference.

Why it matters

Physics-based models of Europa's plasma environment are required to characterize its subsurface ocean but are computationally prohibitive.

2025
Predictions of Equatorial Vertical Plasma Drift using TEC data and a Neural Network Model
Reddy, S. A., Pi, X., Forsyth, C., Aruliah, A., Smith, A.. Earth and Space Science, 12, 6, e2024EA004167.
What we did

We trained a neural network on global Total Electron Content (TEC) data to predict the vertical plasma drift.

Why it matters

Equatorial vertical plasma drift drives ionospheric irregularities that can disrupt GPS and satellite communications.

2024
Space Weather Forecasts of Ground Level Space Weather in the UK: Evaluating Performance and Limitations
Smith, A., … Reddy, S. A., and others. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Weather, 22(11), e2024SW003973.
What we did

We systematically evaluated operational space weather forecasts against UK ground measurements, mapping where they succeed, where they fail, and why.

Why it matters

Ground-level geomagnetic disturbances induce currents that can damage power grids and pipelines. The UK depends on accurate forecasts to prepare.

2024
Extended Magenta Aurora as Revealed by Citizen Science
Kataoka, R., Reddy, S. A., and others. Scientific Reports, 14, 25849.
What we did

We combined citizen-science photo observations with spacecraft data to characterize the extended magenta aurora driven by the May 10 2024 geomagnetic storm.

Why it matters

Bright auroras at low latitudes are signatures of the most intense space weather events and capturing them is a rare opportunity for science.

2024
Surface Charging of Jupiter’s moon Europa
Reddy, S., Nordheim, T., Harris, C., Hand, K.. Astrophysical Journal Letters, 962(2), L29.
What we did

We modelled how Europa's surface charges in response to the surrounding plasma environment, and how this charging varies with location and time.

Why it matters

Jupiter’s moon Europa is a prime target for astrobiology, but its surface is bombarded by harsh plasma and radiation that can affect both the surface chemistry and would-be lander operations.

2023
Predicting Swarm Equatorial Plasma Bubbles via Machine Learning and Shapley Values
Reddy, S. A., Forsyth, C., Aruliah, A., Smith, A., Bortnik, J., Aa, E., et al.. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 128, e2022JA031183.
What we did

We trained ML models on ESA Swarm data to predict bubble occurrence and used Shapley values to attribute predictions to physically interpretable drivers.

Why it matters

Equatorial plasma bubbles scintillate radio signals and degrade GPS positioning. Predicting them is operationally useful — but a black-box model isn't enough; you also need to know why.

2022
CubeSat measurements of thermospheric plasma: spacecraft charging effects on a plasma analyzer
Reddy, S., Kataria, D., Lewis, G. et al.. CEAS Space Journal, 14, 675–687.
What we did

We characterized how spacecraft charging shifts the measured energies on a CubeSat-based plasma analyzer, and how to correct for it.

Why it matters

CubeSats are a cheap way to measure the upper atmosphere — but like all spacecraft they also charge up, biasing the very plasma instruments on board.