Consolidated Grant in Solar Physics

In this proposal we study the dynamic Sun, to measure and understand the plasmas, particles and processes in its atmosphere and the extended heliosphere that it creates. 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 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? 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?

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 cause damaging `space weather'. Flares have distinctive radiation signatures that are closely related 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 both from the Sun's tenuous outer atmosphere - its corona - and its denser lower atmosphere - its chromosphere - 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, and clouds of cool material called prominences, apparently floating (though in reality supported by magnetic forces) above the solar surface.

Our programme combines observational data from space-based and ground-based telescopes with theoretical and numerical modelling to address all of these topics, and spans a wide range of technical problems, from the modeling of radiation moving through 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.

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 public outreach and schools' programme. We are actively involved, and contribute to the agendas of, 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. Future plans in Knowledge Exchange include building stronger relationships with industrial partners via our membership of a Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Intensive Science.


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 as well as continuing a local 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. Future plans in Outreach include a formal partnership with the Glasgow Science Centre whereby group members work together with, and are trained by outreach professionals on planetarium shows, and participation in future IOP Scotland `Festival of Physics' events.

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 classroom sessions, and running 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.