Energy release and transport in solar flares
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: Mullard Space Science Laboratory
Abstract
The magnetic field of the corona not only stores the energy that is released during solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) but, as a consequence of the low plasma beta conditions, it both defines the reconnection environment, and plays a central role in the transport of this energy throughout the atmosphere. Indeed, different reconnection scenarios in different field configurations can lead to a variety of outcomes in terms of the evolution of the energy release and the efficiency of the energy transport mechanisms (via waves, particle acceleration and plasma heating). These variations manifest themselves as differences in the spatial, spectral and temporal properties of the electromagnetic signatures produced in the lower atmosphere, thus providing a means to quantify the effect of different field configurations on the energy release process.
The 'standard' eruptive flare (CSHKP) model offers a framework in which to understand the global characteristics of the energy release. However, the factors that determine the primary method of energy transport and its efficiency remain controversial, fundamentally limiting our ability to understand what drives how energy is partitioned. It is the goal of this project to quantify the link between the properties, structure and connectivity of the reconnecting field, and how it determines the efficiency of the associated energy deposition in the lower solar atmosphere. Establishing this key relationship will provide new insights into the basic physics of the energy release, particle acceleration and transport processes in magnetised plasmas - the primary constituent of not just our solar system, but the universe.
In order to achieve the project goals data from both space and ground-based assets will be utilised (Hinode, SDO, RHESSI, IRIS, SST, ROSA and DKIST) and combined with state-of-the art radiative hydrodynamic modelling codes, e.g. RADYN and HYDRO2GEN.
The 'standard' eruptive flare (CSHKP) model offers a framework in which to understand the global characteristics of the energy release. However, the factors that determine the primary method of energy transport and its efficiency remain controversial, fundamentally limiting our ability to understand what drives how energy is partitioned. It is the goal of this project to quantify the link between the properties, structure and connectivity of the reconnecting field, and how it determines the efficiency of the associated energy deposition in the lower solar atmosphere. Establishing this key relationship will provide new insights into the basic physics of the energy release, particle acceleration and transport processes in magnetised plasmas - the primary constituent of not just our solar system, but the universe.
In order to achieve the project goals data from both space and ground-based assets will be utilised (Hinode, SDO, RHESSI, IRIS, SST, ROSA and DKIST) and combined with state-of-the art radiative hydrodynamic modelling codes, e.g. RADYN and HYDRO2GEN.
Publications
French R
(2019)
Spectropolarimetric Insight into Plasma Sheet Dynamics of a Solar Flare
in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
French R
(2020)
Dynamics of Late-stage Reconnection in the 2017 September 10 Solar Flare
in The Astrophysical Journal
French R
(2020)
Opening pupils' eyes to the Sun
in Astronomy & Geophysics
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
ST/S50578X/1 | 30/09/2018 | 29/09/2022 | |||
2049963 | Studentship | ST/S50578X/1 | 30/09/2018 | 30/03/2022 | Ryan French |
Description | Newkirk Fellowship |
Amount | $39,000 (USD) |
Organisation | National Center for Atmospheric Research |
Sector | Public |
Country | United States |
Start | 03/2019 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | IRIS Planner |
Organisation | Lockheed Martin |
Department | Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Acted as the science planner for the NASA IRIS mission for two weeks, using the instrument to collect data for my research. |
Collaborator Contribution | Trained and supported me through my IRIS planning weeks. |
Impact | Provided experience in science planning for a space-based mission. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Newkirk Fellowship |
Organisation | National Center for Atmospheric Research |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Analysing data from NCAR instruments. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided mentorship and funds to visit the lab for an extended period of time. |
Impact | Two peer-reviewed publications, and a scientific visit to the lab in Colorado (plus two trips pending). |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Scientific Visitor |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Analysing observational data and drawing comparisons with the collaborator model outputs. |
Collaborator Contribution | Providing output of super-computer MHD simulations. |
Impact | Science visit to NASA Goddard. Subsequent publications in prep. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | PresenterNet Conference - Panelist |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Panelist on the PresentNet 2021 meeting, teaching professional presenters how to better produce pre-recorded presentations. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Royal Observatory Greenwich - 'Think Space Lecture' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Public lecture for schools and general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www.rmg.co.uk/whats-on/online/think-space-lectures |
Description | UCL Astrophysics Masterclass |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Delivered UCL Astrophysics Masterclass for prospective A-level students from Widening Participation backgrouds. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | UCL ORBYTS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Working with an A-Level class at the UCL Academy to involve the students in active scientific research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | UCL ORBYTS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Working with an A-Level class at St Wilfrid's Catholic School (Crawley) to involve the students in active scientific research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |