Consolidated Grant in Solar Physics

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

The physics of plasmas - particularly plasmas permeated by a magnetic field - dictates the behaviour of much of the visible universe. Close at hand, we need to understand and measure plasmas, fields and particles understand the dynamic Sun and its interaction with the heliosphere. In this proposal we focus on several key unsolved problems in solar physics that are also prototypes for a wider and deeper understanding of cosmic plasmas as a whole. Our top-level questions are: how do high-energy radiating particles behave in solar flares and in interplanetary space? How are they accelerated, are they beamed and do they play a key role in flares and their terrestrial impact? How does the Sun store and release energy in its magnetised atmosphere, and what can we learn about this process by computer simulations and by studying the radiation that is emitted?

The magnetic field is key to everything that happens in the Sun's atmosphere. Concentrated magnetic regions emerge through the Sun's surface and into its atmosphere. Here they interact with the pre-existing magnetic field and the result is intense bursts of energy known as flares, which accelerate sub-atomic particles (electrons and ions), cause heating to millions of degrees, and can also lead to expulsion of magnetised plasma into space, which can lead to damaging `space weather'. Flares have distinctive radiation signatures that are closely related to the structure of the magnetic field, and to the way that energy is transmitted along the magnetic field from the corona down to the solar surface and out into the distant heliosphere, and converted into other forms as it goes. By interpreting this radiation we can understand what is happening in a flare. More generally solar magnetic fields create eccentric and dynamic shapes in the solar atmosphere, for example swirling `tornado-like' structures in which the plasma, and perhaps the magnetic field supporting it, is rotating.

Our programme combines observational data with theoretical and numerical modelling to address all of these topics, and spans a wide range of astronomical and technical problems, from the modeling of the path of radiation in a plasma to high-energy particle acceleration; from electromagnetic waves to relativistic particle beams; from image processing to statistical analysis of weak signals, and from mathematical `pen-and-paper' calculations to advanced numerical simulations. We will bring all these skills to bear on questions at the heart of current efforts to better understand our nearest star. Some aspects of our work will also help us to assess the potential threat of eruptions on the Sun, which is a key element of space weather forecasting.

Planned Impact

All Co-Is on the grant are involved in trying to ensure that our STFC-funded research efforts are used to the wider benefit of society, through reaching out to cognate disciplines, engagement with policy-makers and industry, and an extremely active schools and public outreach programme. We are actively involved, and contribute to the agendas of, with several initiatives in space weather and sensors, both internal and external to Glasgow University. This includes an STFC-funded space weather network. We have received
University support for joint projects with the Schools of Engineering and Mathematics & Statistics, which has led to significant cross-disciplinary research, supported by a PhD student.

Our research, and the involvement that it brings us with high profile projects and missions, will benefit the public. As can be seen from our extensive list of outreach engagements we are extremely active in communicating our work through public events, tens of talk per year to science centres, schools and societies, and science-art projects. We dedicate particular effort to bringing our work to remote sites in Scotland. Plans are in place for several new initiatives, such as the 'Cetus' sky- and whale-watching observatory in Isle of Lewis, as well as continuing the programme of talks, observatory visits and observing nights etc which are co-ordinated by the group secretary and run by group members (note, we have an 'Outreach' website at: http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/outreach/index.php which acts as a single point of contact for all outreach requests). We strongly encourage the involvement of our RAs and particularly our PhD students in this activity as well, ensuring a lively and continued programme.

Keeping at the forefront of our respective research areas ensures that we remain credible speakers for the public, as evidenced by many repeat invitations. We are also closely involved with schools activities, giving many talks, planetarium shows, and running projects school-specific projects. This activity is undertaken by staff and PhD students alike and is co-ordinated as above via our outreach website and group secretary.

Organisations

 
Description The grant led to several new discoveries related to the acceleration and propagation of energetic particles in solar flares, and the radiation signatures that they produce. These findings are documented in the journal publications associated with the award. A key theme in our work has been the effect of plasma waves and turbulence - i.e. fluctuations in the electric and magnetic fields - on particles and radiation. Turbulence is fundamental plasma phenomenon and we have made advances in identifying how it might be detected in the solar atmosphere, and radiation signatures emitted by turbulent plasmas might be used to diagnose their bulk properties and those of the fast electrons and ions that compose them.
Exploitation Route Electron acceleration is a fundamental problem in space physics, not only in solar flares but in many astrophysical plasmas. Within the field of solar flares and solar radio bursts, however, our work may motivate the design of new solar missions and observing facilities, and also be of interest in space weather studies.
Sectors Aerospace

Defence and Marine

 
Description Editorial Board Member (Kontar) for EPS Grand Challenges: Physics for Society in Horizon 2050
Geographic Reach Europe 
Policy Influence Type Participation in a guidance/advisory committee
URL https://www.primapagina.sif.it/article/1142/eps-grand-challenges-physics-for-society-in-the-horizon-...
 
Description STFC priority project : Solar Atmospheric Modelling Suite (Kontar)
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to a national consultation/review
URL https://stfc.ukri.org/files/projects-summary-list/
 
Description SUPA course on 'The Sun's Atmosphere'
Geographic Reach National 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
 
Description Adjunct Professor
Amount ÂŁ109,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Oslo 
Sector Academic/University
Country Norway
Start 12/2018 
End 11/2024
 
Description COSPAR travel award
Amount € 700 (EUR)
Organisation Committee on Space Research 
Sector Public
Country France
Start 07/2018 
End 08/2018
 
Description RHESSI Travel Award
Amount $600 (USD)
Organisation University of Minnesota 
Sector Academic/University
Country United States
Start 04/2019 
End 05/2019
 
Description Solar Orbiter UK travel grant (Kontar)
Amount ÂŁ500 (GBP)
Organisation University College London 
Department Department of Space and Climate Physics (MSSL)
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2018 
End 09/2018
 
Description Travel grant to NJIT (Kontar)
Amount ÂŁ1,500 (GBP)
Organisation New Jersey Institute of Technology 
Sector Academic/University
Country United States
Start 06/2018 
End 07/2018
 
Title LOFAR UK solar observations 
Description LOFAR solar observations. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact publications 
URL http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/users/eduard/uk_lofar/
 
Title Skylab NRL SO82B calibrated data of the flare SOL1973-09-07 and plage observed on 1973-09-11 
Description  
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
 
Title Solar radio emission at low frequency 
Description Solar Radio Flux 45-80 MHz Measured from Glasgow, now ingested into RHESSI database 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2017 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact increased usage of Glasgow eCallisto data 
URL http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/browser/test.html?show=qlpcr+lowcg&date=20170910&time=161020&ba...
 
Title Unambiguous Evidence of Coronal Implosions During Solar Eruptions and Flares 
Description In the implosion conjecture, coronal loops contract as the result of magnetic energy release in solar eruptions and flares. However, after almost two decades, observations of this phenomenon are still rare, and most of previous reports are plagued by projection effects so that loop contraction could be either true implosion or just a change in loop inclination. In this paper, to demonstrate the reality of loop contractions in the global coronal dynamics, we present four events with the continuously contracting loops in an almost edge-on geometry from the perspective of SDO/AIA, which are free from the ambiguity caused by the projection effects, also supplemented by contemporary observations from STEREO for examination. In the wider context of observations, simulations and theories, we argue that the implosion conjecture is valid in interpreting these events. Furthermore, distinct properties of the events allow us to identify two physical categories of implosion. One type demonstrates a rapid contraction at the beginning of the flare impulsive phase, as magnetic free energy is removed rapidly by a filament eruption. The other type, which has no visible eruption, shows a continuous loop shrinkage during the entire flare impulsive phase which we suggest shows the ongoing conversion of magnetic free energy in a coronal volume. Corresponding scenarios are described, which can provide reasonable explanations for the observations. We also point out that implosions may be suppressed in cases when a heavily-mass-loaded filament is involved, possibly serving as an alternative account for their observational rarity. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
 
Description ALMA Collaboration, University of Oslo 
Organisation University of Oslo
Department Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics
Country Norway 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Contribution to a journal paper
Collaborator Contribution Contribution to a journal paper, supervision of visiting Glasgow PhD student
Impact Journal papers DOI 10.1051/0004-6361/201937122 DOI 10.3847/1538-4357/aafdfb
Start Year 2017
 
Description Alliance Partnership (Kontar) 
Organisation Observatory of Paris
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Collaborator Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Impact Numerous refereed papers
Start Year 2009
 
Description Alliance Partnership (Kontar) 
Organisation University of Central Lancashire
Department Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Collaborator Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Impact Numerous refereed papers
Start Year 2009
 
Description Alliance Partnership (Kontar) 
Organisation University of Manchester
Department Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Collaborator Contribution Research expertise in particle acceleration, energy transport and fast particle diagnostics
Impact Numerous refereed papers
Start Year 2009
 
Description Collaboration with the University of Colorado, Boulder 
Organisation University of Colorado Boulder
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Running and adapting numerical simulations
Collaborator Contribution New expertise in line broadening
Impact Three publications https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018ApJ...862...59B/ https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2019ApJ...871..167K/ https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2017ApJ...837..125K/
Start Year 2017
 
Description Collaboration with the University of Oslo (Fletcher) 
Organisation University of Oslo
Country Norway 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research input
Collaborator Contribution Research input
Impact none yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Columbia University 
Organisation Columbia University
Department Department of Physics
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Input on fitting and characterisation of non-Gaussian spectral lines in EUV solar spectra
Collaborator Contribution Input on theory of generation of non-Gaussian spectral lines in EUV solar spectra
Impact Journal paper "Spectroscopic Measurements of the Ion Velocity Distribution at the Base of the Fast Solar Wind" by Jeffrey et al. 2018 https://doi.org/10.3847/2041-8213/aab08c
Start Year 2017
 
Description DSTL Project (Kontar) 
Organisation Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (DSTL)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Analysis and modelling of solar radio data, cross-calibration with existing radio data. Compare imaging and spectroscopic data with simulations to establish detailed links between nonthermal electrons and the fine structures in radio burst spectra.
Collaborator Contribution Input on radio data, and creating efficient algorithms and adequate software to deduce the radio source properties from LOFAR data
Impact Joint supervision of PhD student
Start Year 2016
 
Description DSTL Project (Kontar) 
Organisation Observatory of Paris
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Analysis and modelling of solar radio data, cross-calibration with existing radio data. Compare imaging and spectroscopic data with simulations to establish detailed links between nonthermal electrons and the fine structures in radio burst spectra.
Collaborator Contribution Input on radio data, and creating efficient algorithms and adequate software to deduce the radio source properties from LOFAR data
Impact Joint supervision of PhD student
Start Year 2016
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation IISER Pune
Country India 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics Irkutsk
Country Russian Federation 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Department Goddard Space Flight Center
Country United States 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation New Jersey Institute of Technology
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation Northumbria University
Department Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation Observatory of Paris
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation University of Graz
Country Austria 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation University of Manchester
Department School of Physics and Astronomy Manchester
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation University of Minnesota
Department School of Physics and Astronomy
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI International Team on Low Frequency Imaging Spectroscopy with LOFAR - New Look at Non-Thermal Processes in the Outer Corona 
Organisation University of Warwick
Department Department of Physics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution The ISSI team is led by Glasgow, who also provide relevant research expertise
Collaborator Contribution Other team members provide relevant research expertise
Impact none yet
Start Year 2017
 
Description ISSI Team on Particle Acceleration in Solar Flares and Terrestrial Substorms 
Organisation Nagoya University
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I provide solar data and theoretical ideas
Collaborator Contribution This is a team held at the International Space Science Institute in Bern. All participants bring their relevant expertise to the table, in solar observations and theory, magnetospheric observations and theory. We work together to bridge the gaps between the disciplines and learn from one another
Impact Refereed Article Can Substorm Particle Acceleration Be Applied to Solar Flares? Authors: Birn, J.; Battaglia, M.; Fletcher, L.; Hesse, M.; Neukirch, T. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 848, Issue 2, article id. 116, 14 pp. (2017) 10.3847/1538-4357/aa8ad4
Start Year 2016
 
Description ISSI Team on Particle Acceleration in Solar Flares and Terrestrial Substorms 
Organisation University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
Country Switzerland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I provide solar data and theoretical ideas
Collaborator Contribution This is a team held at the International Space Science Institute in Bern. All participants bring their relevant expertise to the table, in solar observations and theory, magnetospheric observations and theory. We work together to bridge the gaps between the disciplines and learn from one another
Impact Refereed Article Can Substorm Particle Acceleration Be Applied to Solar Flares? Authors: Birn, J.; Battaglia, M.; Fletcher, L.; Hesse, M.; Neukirch, T. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 848, Issue 2, article id. 116, 14 pp. (2017) 10.3847/1538-4357/aa8ad4
Start Year 2016
 
Description ISSI Team on Particle Acceleration in Solar Flares and Terrestrial Substorms 
Organisation University of California, Berkeley
Department Space Sciences Laboratory
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I provide solar data and theoretical ideas
Collaborator Contribution This is a team held at the International Space Science Institute in Bern. All participants bring their relevant expertise to the table, in solar observations and theory, magnetospheric observations and theory. We work together to bridge the gaps between the disciplines and learn from one another
Impact Refereed Article Can Substorm Particle Acceleration Be Applied to Solar Flares? Authors: Birn, J.; Battaglia, M.; Fletcher, L.; Hesse, M.; Neukirch, T. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 848, Issue 2, article id. 116, 14 pp. (2017) 10.3847/1538-4357/aa8ad4
Start Year 2016
 
Description ISSI Team on Particle Acceleration in Solar Flares and Terrestrial Substorms 
Organisation University of Sydney
Country Australia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I provide solar data and theoretical ideas
Collaborator Contribution This is a team held at the International Space Science Institute in Bern. All participants bring their relevant expertise to the table, in solar observations and theory, magnetospheric observations and theory. We work together to bridge the gaps between the disciplines and learn from one another
Impact Refereed Article Can Substorm Particle Acceleration Be Applied to Solar Flares? Authors: Birn, J.; Battaglia, M.; Fletcher, L.; Hesse, M.; Neukirch, T. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 848, Issue 2, article id. 116, 14 pp. (2017) 10.3847/1538-4357/aa8ad4
Start Year 2016
 
Description Lorentz Center Workshop: "The Solar Sources of GeV Gamma-rays" 
Organisation ASTRON Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy
Country Netherlands 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution I (MacKinnon) was one of the four organisers of this Workshop, together with M Pesce-Rollins (Pisa, Italy), C Cohen (Caltech, USA) and R Fallows (ASTRON, Netherlands).
Collaborator Contribution Cooperated in shaping the agenda for the Workshop and identifying appropriate participants. The organisers plus the other participants will collaborate in several publications.
Impact several papers planned
Start Year 2017
 
Description Lorentz Center Workshop: "The Solar Sources of GeV Gamma-rays" 
Organisation California Institute of Technology
Department Space Radiation Lab
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I (MacKinnon) was one of the four organisers of this Workshop, together with M Pesce-Rollins (Pisa, Italy), C Cohen (Caltech, USA) and R Fallows (ASTRON, Netherlands).
Collaborator Contribution Cooperated in shaping the agenda for the Workshop and identifying appropriate participants. The organisers plus the other participants will collaborate in several publications.
Impact several papers planned
Start Year 2017
 
Description Lorentz Center Workshop: "The Solar Sources of GeV Gamma-rays" 
Organisation Lorentz Centre
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I (MacKinnon) was one of the four organisers of this Workshop, together with M Pesce-Rollins (Pisa, Italy), C Cohen (Caltech, USA) and R Fallows (ASTRON, Netherlands).
Collaborator Contribution Cooperated in shaping the agenda for the Workshop and identifying appropriate participants. The organisers plus the other participants will collaborate in several publications.
Impact several papers planned
Start Year 2017
 
Description Lorentz Center Workshop: "The Solar Sources of GeV Gamma-rays" 
Organisation University of Pisa
Country Italy 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution I (MacKinnon) was one of the four organisers of this Workshop, together with M Pesce-Rollins (Pisa, Italy), C Cohen (Caltech, USA) and R Fallows (ASTRON, Netherlands).
Collaborator Contribution Cooperated in shaping the agenda for the Workshop and identifying appropriate participants. The organisers plus the other participants will collaborate in several publications.
Impact several papers planned
Start Year 2017
 
Description NenuFAR Solar Key Science Project 
Organisation Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies
Country Ireland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution NenuFAR is an extension to LOFAR including Nancay in France. Reid was Co-I on the proposal that led to the Solar Key Science Programme for this facility. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Collaborator Contribution Co-Is on NenuFAR solar KSP. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Impact none yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description NenuFAR Solar Key Science Project 
Organisation National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU)
Country Ukraine 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution NenuFAR is an extension to LOFAR including Nancay in France. Reid was Co-I on the proposal that led to the Solar Key Science Programme for this facility. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Collaborator Contribution Co-Is on NenuFAR solar KSP. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Impact none yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description NenuFAR Solar Key Science Project 
Organisation Observatory of Paris
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution NenuFAR is an extension to LOFAR including Nancay in France. Reid was Co-I on the proposal that led to the Solar Key Science Programme for this facility. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Collaborator Contribution Co-Is on NenuFAR solar KSP. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Impact none yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description NenuFAR Solar Key Science Project 
Organisation Trinity College Dublin
Department School of Physics
Country Ireland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution NenuFAR is an extension to LOFAR including Nancay in France. Reid was Co-I on the proposal that led to the Solar Key Science Programme for this facility. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Collaborator Contribution Co-Is on NenuFAR solar KSP. Observation planning, data analysis and theory
Impact none yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Air Force Research Laboratory
Country United States 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Department Physics Department
Country Israel 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Chinese Academy of Sciences
Department Purple Mountain Observatory
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA)
Country India 
Sector Learned Society 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Johns Hopkins University
Department Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
Country United States 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Lockheed Martin
Department Solar and Astrophysics Laboratory (LMSAL)
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Max Planck Society
Department Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Department Goddard Space Flight Center
Country United States 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Department Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Country United States 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Peking University
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation Princeton University
Department Department of Astrophysical Sciences
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation University of Alcalá
Country Spain 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Origins of 3He-rich solar energetic particles. 
Organisation University of Maryland
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Observational analysis of spectral lines.
Collaborator Contribution Please see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/origin3henrgpart/ for full details
Impact none yet
Start Year 2018
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres
Department German Research Centre for Geosciences
Country Germany 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation Leibniz Association
Department Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation North-West University
Country South Africa 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation Observatory of Paris
Department Laboratory for Space Science and Astrophysical Instrumentation
Country France 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation Stanford University
Department Department of Physics
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation University of Alabama in Huntsville
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation University of Central Lancashire
Department Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation University of Kiel
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation University of Minnesota
Department School of Physics and Astronomy
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description Solar flare acceleration signatures and their connection to solar energetic particles 
Organisation Western Kentucky University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution International Team at the International Space Sciences Institute, Bern. Team leader Expertise in data analysis
Collaborator Contribution For full details of the team and its activities see http://www.issibern.ch/teams/solflareconnectsolenerg/index.php/first-meeting/
Impact None yet
Start Year 2019
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation Aberystwyth University
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation Andor Technology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Department Armagh Observatory
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation Northumbria University
Department Physics and Electrical Engineering
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation Queen's University Belfast
Department School of Mathematics and Physics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation University College London
Department Department of Space and Climate Physics (MSSL)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation University of Sheffield
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation University of St Andrews
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description UK DKIST consortium 
Organisation University of Warwick
Department Department of Physics
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We lead a work package
Collaborator Contribution They lead, and work on, other work packages
Impact Building cameras for a new solar telescope (WP1) Developing data analysis tools and pipelines (WP2) Arranging community meetings, presentations,help with developing observing proposals (WP3)
Start Year 2015
 
Description Western Kentucky - Non Classical Transport Coefficients in Electron Acceleration Regions and Energy Transport in Solar Flares 
Organisation Western Kentucky University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Research expertise
Collaborator Contribution PI institute, research expertise
Impact Refereed journal publication (Bian, Emslie, Horne, Kontar 2018, ApJ 852, 127) http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2018ApJ...852..127B
Start Year 2017
 
Title LOFAR Solar Software 
Description Branch of the SolarSoftware (SSW) IDL library for the analysis of data from the Low Frequency Array for Radioastronomy (LOFAR) 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2017 
Impact Increased usage of LOFAR solar data 
URL https://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/solarsoft/radio/lofar/
 
Title Radynversion 
Description Radynversion is the implementation of an invertible neural network in python, that can be used to infer the atmospheric parameters during a solar flare from observations of the Hydrogen-alpha and Calcium-8542 Angstrom spectral lines, under the assumption that the RADYN code is a good description of the physics occuring in a solar flare. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2019 
Open Source License? Yes  
Impact Radynversion has allowed credible inversions of the chromosphere in a solar flare, for the first time without the limiting assumptions of hydrostatic equilibrium and statistical equilibrium, which are unlikely to hold in flares. Initial results are described in the Radynversion paper. 
URL https://github.com/Goobley/Radynversion
 
Title Slic (Solar Image Classification) 
Description The software is a convolutional neural network for detecting features in the solar chromosphere. It can perform these detections in real-time with processing of over 1300 images taking 7 seconds. 
Type Of Technology Software 
Year Produced 2019 
Open Source License? Yes  
Impact Slic has a lot of people talking about automating these processes in solar physics. 
URL https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11207-019-1473-z
 
Description 'Insight' Podcast to St. Andrews Physics Society 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact 'Insight' Podcast to St. Andrews Physics Society, discussing solar physics, solar flares, equality and diversity
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/~physoc1/insight/episode.php?s=academics&ep=23
 
Description Austrian Radio FM4 interview (Reid) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Interview on the Austrian Radio Channel FM4 about Parker Solar Probe just before launch in August 2018.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Ayrshire astronomical society (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk to Ayrshire Astronomical Society on solar activity. Around 30 attendees, including senior school pupils
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description BAA (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on Solar Flares to the British Astronomical Association Annual Meeting, Chester (~100, mainly adults, some senior pupils)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://www.britastro.org/video/7997/11480
 
Description Crawick Multiverse Event (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation on Solar Flares at a public event organised by the Royal Society of Edinburgh for the opening of a new installation at the Crawick 'Multiverse'. About 70 people attended an afternoon of talks and discussion about the Sun and space weather. Lots of questions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYlDNyf7rfk
 
Description DKIST first light announcement 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Press release on the first light observations by the DKIST, highlighting University of Glasgow's role, STFC's support, and our research activities that will benefit from DKIST observations.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020
URL https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/headline_708045_en.html
 
Description David Elder Lecture (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Invited Talk by Fletcher at the Glasgow Science Centre as part of the 'David Elder Lectures' on Living with a Star
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/discover/adult-events/david-elder-lectures/past-lectures
 
Description Glasgow Guild (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on colour and design in astronomy, at the "Glasgow Guild" as part of Doors Open Day Glasgow. ~60 attendees from across the city and region
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Highland Astronomical Society Talk (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk about the Sun to the Highland Astronomical Society. About 40 people attended.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Im a Scientist - get me out of here 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Answered questions from and interacted with pupils from 14 schools over two weeks, in an online forum
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://about.imascientist.org.uk/files/2017/07/Protactinium-Zone-Report.pdf
 
Description Inverclyde Sky Watchers, Gourock, UK (Jeffrey) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk about 'Our Sun and Solar Flares' to the Inverclyde Astronomical Society, Gourock
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Invited Lecture at STFC Introductory Solar System Plasmas Summer School, Aberystwyth, Aug 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Invited talk at the introductory summer school for new PhD students in solar system science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/phys/issp19-summer-school/
 
Description Our Sun Exhibition, Newcastle, UK (Jeffrey 2019) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Space Exhibition at the Life Science Centre in Newcastle showing SDO/AIA images, and highlighting solar studies in the North East of England.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Pint of Science (Glasgow, Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact around 50 people attended a 'pint of science' discussion in the pub about the Sun and Space Weather. Lots of questions
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Plasma Science Takes 5 Public Talk (Kontar) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact "Plasma science takes 5" public outreach event in Oxford. organized with The Institute of Physics Plasma Physics Group. 4th April, 2017
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description RSE 'Winter Wonders' talk (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presentation and discussion on The Northern Lights as part of the Royal Society of Edinburgh's 'Winter Wonders' public event
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.rse.org.uk/event/winter-wonders-rse-9th-10th-december/
 
Description Science nuggets (Jeffrey) 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Science nuggets (small, easy to understand articles) and blog articles that engage with both the astrophysics community and the interested public:
EIS nugget - "Measuring solar flare non-Gaussian velocities using EIS spectroscopy" (First author).
EIS nugget - "Plasma turbulence and the standard solar flare model" (Co-author).
CESRA nugget - "Particle acceleration and turbulence during a solar flare" (Co-author).
Physics Central Blog (American Physical Society) - "Small-Scale Turbulence May Help Power Solar Explosions" (Co-author).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL http://solarb.mssl.ucl.ac.uk/SolarB/nuggets/nugget_2017jan.jsp
 
Description Solar radio physics, solar flares and space weather (Reid) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk to the Helensburgh Astronomical Society
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Stirling Astronomical Society (Fletcher) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on 'Solar Flares and Superflares' at the Stirling Astronomical Society
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Summer School Talk 2017 (Kontar) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Talk on High Energy Solar Atmosphere at STFC Introductory Solar System Plasma Physics Summer School,
Northumbria University (UK), 10-15 September 2017
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Talk (Aberdeen Astronomical Society) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk to Aberdeen Astronomical Society organised at Robert Gordon's College so also attracted a number of school pupils. Lots of discussion.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Talk on solar tornadoes to the Astronomical Society of Glasgow (Labrosse) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact 40 members of the public attended a popular talk. Discussion afterwards.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Talk to University of the Third Age Newton Mearns group 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talk on "The Sun: Our Nearest Star" to the Science and Technology group of the Newtown Mearns branch, University of the Third Age (U3A). U3A exists "to make lifelong learning a reality for all third agers". There was vigorous discussion throughout and after the talk. The main outcome is a greater awareness of and interest in solar astronomy among the older adults who participated.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://u3asites.org.uk/eastrenfrewshire/page/20622
 
Description UKSP Science Nugget on 'Preflare and flare turbulence in the transition region' (Jeffrey/Fletcher/Labrosse/Simoes) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact UKSP Science nugget (short online article written at MSc level) on Preflare and flare turbulence in the transition region.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL http://www.uksolphys.org/uksp-nugget/99-preflare-and-flare-turbulence-in-the-transition-region/