STFC Consolidated Grant for the Solar Physics Group at Northumbria University

The Solar Physics Group at Northumbria University has a long-term research programme to understand the physics of our closest star, the Sun, and other solar-like stars. The Sun displays a number of fascinating and dynamic phenomena such as powerful solar flares and giant, planet-sized concentrations of magnetic fields (sunspots). It also provides a unique window that permits us to examine in detail how stars behave. The Sun is made of a plasma (ionised gas) threaded by a strong magnetic field. Such magnetised plasmas are common throughout the Universe (e.g. active galaxy nuclei, nebula, interstellar medium), hence our research also advances the understanding across multiple research communities.

Furthermore, we are also keen to determine how the Sun influences the near-Earth environment. The Sun is the powerhouse of our solar system and its daily variability can have profound consequences for Earth. Space Weather is the name given to the impact of events (e.g. solar flares, coronal mass ejections) from the Sun on our technologically-advanced society. This impact is both beautiful (e.g. Northern lights) and potentially extremely detrimental (e.g. damaging satellites, increasing radiation that is harmful to aircrew and astronauts). Thus, in order to understand and address the risks associated with Space Weather, we need to understand its origins and drivers.

Our work aims to address one of STFC's Science Challenges, namely "How do stars and planetary systems develop and how do they support the existence of life?", as well as key questions in the STFC Roadmap for Solar System Research, e.g. "What are the structures, dynamics and energetics of the Sun?" and "What are the fundamental processes at work in the Solar System?".

This proposal focuses on different aspects of these current challenges and questions, with a natural synergy across the projects that contributes towards our long-term goal of a complete and detailed understanding of the Sun. Here, we are interested in discovering answers to problems such as: How do giant vortices (magnetic solar tornadoes) and magnetic waves lead to the heating of the outer envelope of the Sun's atmosphere to millions of degrees, and accelerate streams of charged particles away from the Sun (the solar wind) at speeds of a million miles per hour? How is energy stored and released in magnetic fields, leading to powerful solar flares that give off intense radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) and accelerate particles to relativistic speeds? How can we predict when solar flares occur and so improve our ability to forecast them?

To address these fundamental, yet unanswered, questions, our research makes use of advanced mathematical techniques and cutting-edge computer simulations to create models of the Sun based on magnetohydrodynamics. We combine this theoretical effort with the highest-quality data of the Sun available from state-of-the-art solar instruments (e.g. NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory; DKI Solar Telescope) incorporating information from across the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g. visible, EUV, X-ray) and analysing this with modern methods drawn from statistics and machine learning.

The future impact for our Consolidated Grant research is multifaceted, covering Public Communication and Engagement, Knowledge Exchange, and Economic Impact; with clear pathways that will ensure we maximise the reach and significance.

The Solar Physics Group (SPG) has always been passionate about engaging and communicating our science with the general public. We have worked closely with dedicated experts in pedagogy and science communication (NUSTEM) to develop a clear and sustainable pathway to impact for our research. Our Public Communication and Engagement strategy is designed not only to inspire, but to increase the uptake of STEM disciplines, with a focus on growing science capital among women and other under-represented groups. This approach was honed by an STFC Small Outreach Award, which delivered the successful "Imagining the Sun" project. We are continuing to deliver engagement through "Exploring Extreme Environments" (E3) which is funded by an STFC Nucleus Award.

To ensure that this impact pathway has a lasting impact, we are also contributing to Continuing Professional Development. The E3 project will deliver CPD training sessions for teachers and provide training on the effective delivery of public engagement for PhD students, PDRAs and academics, which will permit high-quality communication of proposal results to a wider audience. Moreover, we are leading the design and delivery of a series of Public Communication and Engagement workshops for academic researchers over the next 4 years as part pan-European Horizon2020 project - SOLARNET.

More generally, we have a wider outreach programme the engages the public through mixed-methods: (i) public/school lectures which highlight the wonder and relevance of space science to a general audience; (ii) press releases and media interviews related to key science achievements ; (iii) articles in public science magazines; (iv) online blogs, science nuggets, and social media.

SPG is engaged with a university-wide multidisciplinary research Theme called "Extreme Environments" (led by Co-Applicant Bloomfield) which draws together research in understanding and harnessing physical environments that operate under extreme conditions, such as those found in the Earth's surface, oceans, atmosphere and in the solar system. We will engage in Knowledge Exchange, interchanging skills/techniques gained during our research to other Theme members, which will be driven by the multidisciplinary nature of the Theme and will be achieved via scientific research meetings and active collaborations.

Our research programme will also increase our knowledge and skills in the areas of mathematical modelling and High Performance Computing, and all researchers will gain further experience in problem solving and logical thinking. Transfer of these technical/professional skills - highly sought after in all employment sectors - will be achieved via our active collaborations, multidisciplinary projects, student projects, etc. Thus, our research programme will continually produce highly-skilled people for these in-demand areas.

Finally, our research has the potential for Economic Impact. Space weather features prominently on the UK National Risk Register of Civil Emergencies. Our research contributes to better understanding of the solar sources of space weather and provides physical bases upon which space weather forecasting can be improved (Project 4 in particular). This will have economic impact because adverse effects from solar flares have substantial financial implications, e.g. aviation disruption, communications blackouts, satellite damage. As a specific example, Project 4 addresses the science underpinning space weather, building on Dr Bloomfield's existing forecast-focused collaborations with the UK Met Office (national provider of 24/7 space-weather forecasts) through the EU-wide FLARECAST project and his consultancy role for the ESA-SSA Solar Weather Expert Service Centre.