Modelling Explosive Events in the Solar Corona

The corona - the outer atmosphere of the Sun - is a dynamic plasma permeated by a magnetic field. The corona is a highly dynamic environment, and energy stored in the magnetic field powers a range of explosive phenomena such as jets, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections, as well as explaining the heating of the multi-million degree corona and the acceleration of the solar wind. Powerful explosions in the solar corona lead to major space weather events at Earth, creating the Northern and Southern lights but also having the potential for damaging economic impacts on engineered systems, ranging from satellites and communication systems to power grids and pipelines.

Whilst it is now known that the magnetic field of the Sun’s corona has a complex and continually evolving structure, the nature and implications of this complexity remain largely unexplored and poorly understood. Fundamental questions include how much magnetic energy is stored in the coronal field, and how this energy may be liberated on a the observed short timescales of, for example, flares. This project involves the development and use of a combination of theoretical and/or computational modelling techniques to study the structure and dynamics of energetic processes in the corona. A student undertaking the project will gain skills and expertise in modelling and high-performance computing. The results will enhance our understanding of energetic events in plasmas on a range of scales throughout the universe. The project will make use of collaborations both within the group in Dundee and with external international colleagues.