Understanding the chromosphere-corona interface in the Solar Orbiter and DKIST era
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Abstract
After almost 20 years of hard work, planning and building, the two next-generation long-term major solar facilities will become operational in early 2020. These are DKIST and ESA's Solar Orbiter. They are expected to provide breakthrough observations of the solar chromosphere/corona.
DKIST is the first large-scale solar telescope, with a 4 m off-axis mirror. It has been built in Maui, Hawaii, will have first light in 2019 and start operations in 2020 by performing on-disk and off-disk observations with unprecedented spatial resolution. DKIST has a wide range of on-disk instruments to observe the photosphere / chromosphere, but will also devote about half of the time to coronagraph spectral observations of forbidden coronal lines, out to 1.5 solar radii.
We aim to study the heating of the solar corona by combining measurements of densities, temperatures and magnetic fields with DKIST.
The transfer of energy and mass between the chromosphere and corona is still poorly understood. The modelling of this is extremely complex as it requires non-local transport and time-dependent non-equilibrium atomic processes coupled with MHD modelling. A key aspect of the proposal is to improve the modelling of atomic processes in the chromosphere/transition-region by adding density-dependent and photo-ionisation into the calculation of atomic rates.
Solar Orbiter is a major ESA mission to be launched in February 2020 and is dedicated to the study of the inner parts of the heliosphere, the bubble where our solar system resides that is constantly modified by events on the Sun. Some of these events have relevance to Space Weather, i.e. affect significantly the outer layers of the Earth atmosphere, causing significant effects on satellites, human space flight and communication, for example.
One of the main science goals of Solar Orbiter is to understand how and where the solar wind is released and accelerated from the solar surface into the heliosphere. To achieve this goal, the mission will have close encounters (to within 0.3 AU) with the Sun, and has a suite of in-situ and remote-sensing instruments. One of the main remote sensing instruments is SPICE, a UV spectrometer built at RAL (UK) that is able to measure Doppler flows, temperatures and chemical abundances, which we shall use to locate the source region of the solar wind observed in-situ and to study the formation of the solar wind.
SPICE will mainly observe lines formed in the chromosphere-corona interface, so it will be suited to studies of the solar transition region, the thin layer of the
atmosphere between the chromosphere and corona of the Sun. This region is very dynamic, and improved modelling of atomic processes, together with the inclusion of non-equilibrium effects will be required for the interpretation of the observations.
We also aim to continue to provide the most fundamental atomic data for the interpretation of the observations of current and future solar missions. Our group, in particular Giulio Del Zanna, has been leading this field by continuously updating the CHIANTI atomic database, now also widely used to study astrophysical and laboratory plasma.
Finally, we shall communicate our work to the public and to schools. Helen Mason, a well known communicator will play a key role in this regard.
DKIST is the first large-scale solar telescope, with a 4 m off-axis mirror. It has been built in Maui, Hawaii, will have first light in 2019 and start operations in 2020 by performing on-disk and off-disk observations with unprecedented spatial resolution. DKIST has a wide range of on-disk instruments to observe the photosphere / chromosphere, but will also devote about half of the time to coronagraph spectral observations of forbidden coronal lines, out to 1.5 solar radii.
We aim to study the heating of the solar corona by combining measurements of densities, temperatures and magnetic fields with DKIST.
The transfer of energy and mass between the chromosphere and corona is still poorly understood. The modelling of this is extremely complex as it requires non-local transport and time-dependent non-equilibrium atomic processes coupled with MHD modelling. A key aspect of the proposal is to improve the modelling of atomic processes in the chromosphere/transition-region by adding density-dependent and photo-ionisation into the calculation of atomic rates.
Solar Orbiter is a major ESA mission to be launched in February 2020 and is dedicated to the study of the inner parts of the heliosphere, the bubble where our solar system resides that is constantly modified by events on the Sun. Some of these events have relevance to Space Weather, i.e. affect significantly the outer layers of the Earth atmosphere, causing significant effects on satellites, human space flight and communication, for example.
One of the main science goals of Solar Orbiter is to understand how and where the solar wind is released and accelerated from the solar surface into the heliosphere. To achieve this goal, the mission will have close encounters (to within 0.3 AU) with the Sun, and has a suite of in-situ and remote-sensing instruments. One of the main remote sensing instruments is SPICE, a UV spectrometer built at RAL (UK) that is able to measure Doppler flows, temperatures and chemical abundances, which we shall use to locate the source region of the solar wind observed in-situ and to study the formation of the solar wind.
SPICE will mainly observe lines formed in the chromosphere-corona interface, so it will be suited to studies of the solar transition region, the thin layer of the
atmosphere between the chromosphere and corona of the Sun. This region is very dynamic, and improved modelling of atomic processes, together with the inclusion of non-equilibrium effects will be required for the interpretation of the observations.
We also aim to continue to provide the most fundamental atomic data for the interpretation of the observations of current and future solar missions. Our group, in particular Giulio Del Zanna, has been leading this field by continuously updating the CHIANTI atomic database, now also widely used to study astrophysical and laboratory plasma.
Finally, we shall communicate our work to the public and to schools. Helen Mason, a well known communicator will play a key role in this regard.
Planned Impact
With NASA's Parker's Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter, we are entering a new era where probing the inner heliosphere might resolve one of the main mysteries, how the solar wind is formed and accelerated. The new observations will help us to better understand solar flares and Space Weather.
The economic impacts of Space Weather to industry should not be underestimated. We have an on-going collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and industrial partners to study space weather effects on satellites.
On the societal side, the publicity that these new missions have been receiving, together with activities of the investigators at open days and in local schools could reach a general audience of thousands, helping to make the next generation more scientifically aware and potentially inspiring future scientists.
Our investigators have a unique standing through their promotion of the field via public lectures, Open Days, and radio, television, interviews which reach a vast audience, both nationally and internationally.
Recent participation by HEM in 'The Sun' exhibition at the Science Museum (which has some hardware from Solar Orbiter) is evidence of the huge public interest in the Sun and Space Weather.
The industrial importance of the atomic data we make available, especially for studies of laboratory plasma for all sorts of applications (e.g. fusion) and for the development of new light sources, makes it a key impact area.
Through the continued development of free online resources, such as CHIANTI, that include the latest atomic calculations, our work will be made available to all interested parties.
The economic impacts of Space Weather to industry should not be underestimated. We have an on-going collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey and industrial partners to study space weather effects on satellites.
On the societal side, the publicity that these new missions have been receiving, together with activities of the investigators at open days and in local schools could reach a general audience of thousands, helping to make the next generation more scientifically aware and potentially inspiring future scientists.
Our investigators have a unique standing through their promotion of the field via public lectures, Open Days, and radio, television, interviews which reach a vast audience, both nationally and internationally.
Recent participation by HEM in 'The Sun' exhibition at the Science Museum (which has some hardware from Solar Orbiter) is evidence of the huge public interest in the Sun and Space Weather.
The industrial importance of the atomic data we make available, especially for studies of laboratory plasma for all sorts of applications (e.g. fusion) and for the development of new light sources, makes it a key impact area.
Through the continued development of free online resources, such as CHIANTI, that include the latest atomic calculations, our work will be made available to all interested parties.
Organisations
- University of Cambridge (Lead Research Organisation)
- Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) (Collaboration)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (Collaboration)
- University College London (Collaboration)
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Physical Research Laboratory (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) (Collaboration)
- Manchester University (Collaboration)
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (Collaboration)
- Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (Collaboration)
- Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) (Collaboration)
- British Antarctic Survey (Collaboration)
Publications
Albert D
(2020)
A Decade with VAMDC: Results and Ambitions
in Atoms
Albert D
(2020)
A decade with vamdc: Results and ambitions
Athiray P. S.
(2023)
The third flight of the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer
in 54th Meeting of the Solar Physics Division
Athiray P. S.
(2022)
First light results from the Marshall Grazing Incidence X-ray Spectrometer (MaGIXS)
in AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
Calcines Rosario A
(2024)
Spectral Imager of the Solar Atmosphere: The First Extreme-Ultraviolet Solar Integral Field Spectrograph Using Slicers
in Aerospace
Corso A
(2021)
Future perspectives in solar hot plasma observations in the soft X-rays
in Experimental Astronomy
Daggitt T
(2024)
Chorus wave power at the strong diffusion limit overcomes electron losses due to strong diffusion
in Nature Communications
Daggitt T
(2022)
Variations in Observations of Geosynchronous Magnetopause and Last Closed Drift Shell Crossings With Magnetic Local Time
in Space Weather
Title | Artwork created by school children during the SunSpaceArt workshops |
Description | The children who have participated in the SunSpaceArt workshops and schools and family activities at Science Festivals have produced some amazing, creative artwork, which has been shared on social media. The workshops are led by scientists and professional artists. |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | The children have been able to express their knowledge about the Sun and Solar System in creative artwork. This has impressed the teachers, who have given excellent feedback. |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRYSAwLVzdM |
Title | SunSpaceArt -2023 |
Description | Superb creatve artwork produced by hunderds of children in response to the SunSpaceArt workshops in schools and 'drop-in' activities at Science Festivals. |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Impact | The impact on schools and children is to develop their science knowledge and creativity. |
Description | Advanced models of the solar transition region and corona |
Amount | £428,557 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/X001059/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2023 |
End | 03/2026 |
Description | RS international exchanges |
Amount | £12,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | IES\R2\170199 |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2017 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | SunSpaceArt - Building on Success |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | ST/X006166/1 |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2023 |
End | 02/2026 |
Title | CHIANTI |
Description | CHIANTI is the reference atomic database for ions for use in astrophysics. CHIANTI is widely used within VAMDC, an EU infrastructure for atomic and molecular data. As part of the last funding we have prepared the release of version 11 (Dufresne, Del Zanna et al. 2024). |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | A few thousands of citations. The data are ingested in a large number of astrophysical databases, virtually almost all of them, so indirectly the citations are a few tens of thousands and the impact is significant, although hidden. |
URL | http://www.chiantidatabase.org |
Title | Evidence of strong diffusion of radiation belt electrons in satellite data, and numerical simulations of strong diffusion using the BAS-RBM 2D. |
Description | The data set contains ephemera for the Van Allen Probes A satellite (VAP-A) and the Polar Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) m01 and n19 for the period 2013-03-17 to 2013-03-18. Chorus wave intensities calculated from data from the VAP-A EMFISIS instrument and trapped and precipitating electron fluxes calculated from the POES MEPED instruments are included in order to demonstrate the existence of conditions producing strong diffusion of electrons. Electron fluxes and phase space densities from simulations of strong diffusion performed using the BAS-RBM 2D are also include. This material is based upon work supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-19-1-7039. Richard Horne and Sarah Glauert were also supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) grant NE/V00249X/1 (Sat-Risk) and National and Public Good activity grant NE/R016445/1. Giulio Del Zanna acknowledges support from STFC (UK) via the consolidated grant to the astrophysics group at DAMTP, University of Cambridge (ST/T000481/1). Jay Albert acknowledges support from NASA Grant No. 80NSSC20K1270. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | none yet |
URL | https://data.bas.ac.uk/full-record.php?id=GB/NERC/BAS/PDC/01757 |
Title | TS05 and TS07 external magnetic field model L*, LCDS and B field data for the GOES-13, GOES-15 and HIMAWARI-8 satellites for three geomagnetic storm periods |
Description | The dataset contains satellite L* values, last closed drift shell (LCDS) model locations and model magnetic field values for three two day periods covering three different magnetic storms. The periods covered are 27-28 February 2014, 22-23 June 2015 and 14-15 December 2015. The L* values are calculated for electrons with a pitch angle of 90 degrees at the locations of the GOES-13, GOES-15 and HIMAWARI-8 geostationary satellites, using the IRBEM library with the TS05 and TS07 external magnetic field models. Magnetic field values from the models are also included for the GOES-13 satellite during the June 2015 event. LCDS values for each of the periods are included, with two LCDS models based on the TS05 and TS07 field models, and a third LCDS model based particle tracing simulations. This material is based upon work supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-19-1-7039. Richard Horne and Sarah Glauert were supported by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Highlight Topic Grant NE/P01738X/1 (Rad-Sat) and NERC grant NE/V00249X/1 (Sat-Risk) and National and Public Good activity grant NE/R016445/1. Giulio Del Zanna acknowledges support from STFC (UK) via the consolidated grant to the astrophysics group at DAMTP, University of Cambridge (ST/T000481/1). |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | none yet |
URL | https://data.bas.ac.uk/full-record.php?id=GB/NERC/BAS/PDC/01653 |
Description | APAP-network |
Organisation | University of Strathclyde |
Department | Department of Physics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I am a collaborator on the APAP STFC grant, led by Prof. Badnell. |
Collaborator Contribution | I will contribute with atomic calculations. |
Impact | A paper on data for X-rays |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Associate Scientist on NASA's IRIS project |
Organisation | Harvard University |
Department | Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | This collaboration has resulted in several joint research papers. |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint research papers. |
Impact | Research papers |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | CORSAIR |
Organisation | Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The Coronal Spectropolarimeter for Airborne Infrared Research (CORSAIR) is a multi-wavelength infrared (IR) coronagraph and spectropolarimeter for NASA's scientific balloon program, approved in 2021. The proposal is to build the instrument and perform a commissioning flight from Fort Sumner, NM in September 2024. As co-I I contributed in writing the science case and perform simulations to estimate the signal to be expected. The instrument is capable of measuring the coronal magnetic field, electron densities and temperatures. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners developed the optical design and calculated the spectropolarimetric signal. |
Impact | N/A |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Cambridge Festival hosts a wide range of activities and talks during March and April. We run SunSpaceArt activities at the Festival in 2022, 2023 |
Collaborator Contribution | Cambridge Festival hosts and publicises activities via a dedicated website and other support. |
Impact | Details are given in the submission to STFC. Hundreds of family members participated in SunSpaceArt science/art actvities. Young researchers also helped with the delivery of the SunSpaceArt workshops. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Co-I of ECCCO proposal led by K. Reeves, CfA, SAO, USA |
Organisation | Harvard University |
Department | Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I have provided estimates for the performance of the ECCCO instrument, selected for phase A by NASA as a small explorer mission. The phase A study is carried out in 2023/2024. |
Collaborator Contribution | This is a large collaboration for a major mission, with several partners |
Impact | Two papers describing the COSIE performance. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Co-I of Hinode EIS team |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Space and Climate Physics (MSSL) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Over the years we have contributed to the Hinode EIS team in proposing observations, providing atomic data, instrument calibration, and helping young researchers into the use of the instrument. |
Collaborator Contribution | This is a large international collaboration. MSSL is the leading institute that has provided most of the hardware. |
Impact | A large number of papers and conferences. |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Co-I of MaGIXS |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Marshall Space Flight Center |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Co-I of MaGIXS, the first imaging spectrometer in the X-rays, it was flown on a sounding rocket in 2021. The team is led by MSFC (USA). A further flight is expected in 2024. |
Collaborator Contribution | The main hardware contribution is from MSFC (USA), led by Dr. A. Winebarger |
Impact | One paper submitted to ApJ with the first results. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Co-I of Solar Orbiter instruments |
Organisation | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory |
Department | Space Science and Technology Department |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I have been part of the SPICE and EUI consortia since the beginning. |
Collaborator Contribution | RAL and MSSL have contributed with hardware to the mission. |
Impact | Not yet. Solar Orbiter has just been launched in Feb 2020. |
Description | Co-I of Solar Orbiter instruments |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Department of Space and Climate Physics (MSSL) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I have been part of the SPICE and EUI consortia since the beginning. |
Collaborator Contribution | RAL and MSSL have contributed with hardware to the mission. |
Impact | Not yet. Solar Orbiter has just been launched in Feb 2020. |
Description | Collaboration on CHIANTI atomic database |
Organisation | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) |
Department | Goddard Space Flight Center |
Country | United States |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | I have provided several major contributions in terms of atomic data software and documentation. The most recent one was CHIANTI version 10. We are now in 2024 submitting version 11. |
Collaborator Contribution | Everyone in the team provides comments. |
Impact | Over 4000 citations. CHIANTI is now the reference atomic database for astrophysics. |
Description | Collaboration with BAS on space weather |
Organisation | British Antarctic Survey |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | From 2014, I have established a collaboration with the BAS group led by Prof. R. Horne on space weather. We have co-supervised one student on interaction of solar events with the electron belt, another student on the effects of solar particle storms on the proton belt and consequences on satellite performance, and a third one on modelling the electron belts. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partners have contributed with the BAS model of the electron belt and access to satellite data. |
Impact | Several papers and presentations at conferences. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Collaboration with IUCAA, Pune |
Organisation | Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) |
Country | India |
Sector | Learned Society |
PI Contribution | Collaboration with Prof Durgesh Tripathi, IUCAA, Pune has resulted in several joint publications on active regions and solar jets. Helen Mason visited IUCAA in November 2014 and November 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and February 2020. Helen Mason is working on a major outreach project with IUCAA SciPop called 'Surya: Here Comes the Sun'. Project resources for schools, teachers and students have been developed and delivered. She visited India in November 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020 and worked with school and university students. Post-covid, Prof Helen Mason visited Prof Durgesh Tripahi, IUCAA, Pune, in February and November 2023, to interact with researchers, give talks and seminars, and work with schools and universities. |
Collaborator Contribution | Join research papers. Collaborative educational projects and resources. Aditya-L1, ISRO's first dedicated solar mission was launched in September 2023. Prof Tripathi is the PI on one of the instruments, SUIT, used to study the chromosphere. |
Impact | Workshops have been delivered to teachers and students in India, in November 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, 2020 and post-Covid in February and November 2023. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Collaboration with Prof. Vadawale, PRL, India |
Organisation | Physical Research Laboratory |
Country | India |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof. Vadawale is the principal investigator of the Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) aboard the upcoming second Indian moon mission - Chandrayaan-2, to be launched soon. I have obtained an RS international exchanges grant to collaborate with the group. We have written several papers. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner has build the instrument. |
Impact | Several publications and presentations at conferences. The Indian team has received an award and has become a high-profile within the society. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Collaborator of AirSpec, a next-generation solar infrared spectrometer, led by Dr. J. Samra, CfA, SAO, USA |
Organisation | Harvard University |
Department | Center For Astrophysics |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | I have actively contributed to the planning and analysis of the first flight (one publication under review), and have an on-going collaboration to further study the infrared spectral range using laboratory plasma, and to work on the next flight. The observations are carried out on an airplane during total eclipses. The analysis of the second flight was carried out. The third flight is due in 2024 Apr with an improved instrument (ACES). I have participated in the coordinations for the observations. |
Collaborator Contribution | Dr. Samra's team has built the operated the instrument. |
Impact | Two papers, and involvement into DKIST infrared observations, which will start in 2020. The first flight in 2017 received a lot of publicity and inspired many young researchers. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Festival of Tomorrow, Swindon |
Organisation | Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | The Festival of Tomorrow is held in Swindon in February each year. We have given talks and run SunSpaceArt workshops at this event, both online and in person in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. |
Collaborator Contribution | STFC fund the SunSpaceArt activities at the Festival of Tomorrow. We have worked with hundreds of families and children. The event is hosted and organised by the Festival of Tomorrow team in Swindon. |
Impact | Hundreds of family members have participated in these science/art activities. Details are given in the report to STFC. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Great Science Share |
Organisation | Manchester University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Great Science Share is an annual event involving hundreds of school children. We have participated in this event for several years in collaboration with Lynne Bianchi, Fascinate Science, University of Manchester. We have participated in the event in Manchester several times, and in 2018, joined schools and teachers in London. 2019, in collaboration with the National Botanical Gardens, Wales. In 2020 we joined the on-line sessions. In 2021, 2022 and 2023 we participated in Great Science Share celebrations in the SE and greater London, in collaboration with Kulvinder Johal from the Primary Science Teachers Trust. |
Collaborator Contribution | The Great Science Share is organised by Lynne Bianchi and colleagues, and has grown each year, until it is now a national event. They provide facilities. Talks and SunSpaceArt workshops in Wales, Greater Manchester and Greater London. |
Impact | We have reached thousands of primary school students and teachers. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | ISSI - middle corona 2024/2025 |
Organisation | Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I wrote the proposal and formed a team of 14 experts in the field of modelling and spectral diagnostics of the middle corona, with the help of M. West (SWRI). We will have two meetings, one in April 2024 and one in 2025. |
Collaborator Contribution | We organised several telecons and the team members have contributed to the discussions. |
Impact | not yet |
Start Year | 2023 |
Description | ASE - the Art and Science of Creativity |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | An article written by Dr Helen Mason 'The Art and Science of Creativity' was published in the Association of Science Educators magazine for Primary school teachers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.ase.org.uk/resources/primary-science/issue-171/art-and-science-of-creativity-mason |
Description | Astronomy and Geophysics - We Love STEAM |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team have written an article about their activities which has been published in Asronomy and Geophysics, February 2021. This is the magazine of the Royal Astronomical Society which has a very large circulation, both in peint and online. The article called 'We Love STEAM' celebrates the achievement of the SunSpaceArt team, and in particular how they have adapted their activities during the COVID19 pandemic over the past year. It contains some beautiful exaples of artwork by children. We are grateful for all the support which STFC has given us. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://ras.ac.uk/journals/astronomy-and-geophysics |
Description | Astronomy talks and participation in Astronomy Festivals |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Members of the SunSpaceArt team (in particular Emma Wride, AstroCymru, and Helen Mason) have participated in several on-line Astronmy Festivals (Elan Dark Valley, SolarSphere, Cardiff Science Festival, ASE StarGazing) and also given talks to astronomy clubs (both in the UK and India). These events have involved workshops about the SunSpaceArt project, and also talks about the Sun and Solar Orbiter. These have have been very well received and have resulted in requests for more talks. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
URL | https://www.elanvalley.org.uk |
Description | Cambridge Festival - SunSpaceArt workshops |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt Team ran family activities at the Cambridge Festival - Institute of Astronomy, IoA, Open Day in April 2022. Several Young researchers from the IoA helped, together with Yamini Rao, PDRA at DAMTP. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Cambridge science festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We are engaged in our Department open day as part of Cambridge science week once every two years. We are currently preparing for the next one happening this month. The event draws local general public and potential students. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2024 |
Description | Continued Professional Development, CPD, for teachers - SunSpaceArt workshops |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Several Continued Professional Development SunSpaceArt workshops have been run remotely in different regions (STEM NE, Bolton, Techniquest, Wales, ASE) for teachers and trainee teachers. The feedback has been excellent. the workshops involve scientific talks (the Sun, Mars, Moon) and some craft activities which the teacers can then use in the classroom. These have been led by Helen Mason, Helen Schell and Emma Wride (AstroCymru) SunSpaceArt team. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
URL | https://stemfest.org.uk/helen-schell-dr-helen-mason/ |
Description | Festival of Tomorrow, 2021 and 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Participation in the 'Festival of Tomorrow', online in February 2021 and 'in person' in February 2022. In 2021, we ran a SunSpaceArt workshop in a school, and I gave two lectures, one to the public and one to school children about the latest Solar Science. In 2022, the SunSpaceArt team ran family workshops, which around 400 people (adults and children) participated in. The outcomes were that the participants learnt about the Sun, in particular the UV radiation from the Sun. They also learnt art making techniques and produced some creative artwork. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
URL | https://www.festivaloftomorrow.com/ |
Description | HEM promoting solar science on social media - twitter and facebook |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | HEM has very active Twitter and Facebook sites reaching thousands. Posts about space science, astronomy, NASA, ESA, STFC, school activities, Women in STEM, science and art etc. People oftne share or retweet posts about solar science or SunSpaceArt workshops. They express interest and share with others. STFC often shares HEM's posts. Connections are made with teachers, who request more information or school workshops. People often express an increase in their knowledge about the Sun and space. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022 |
URL | https://twitter.com/helen_hm11 |
Description | IAU - Communicating Astronomy to the Public, May 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Online talk given at the IAU - CAP 2021 meeting about the SunSpaceArt project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.iau.org/science/meetings/past/2563/ |
Description | Indian National Science Week - online talk by Helen Mason, 1 March 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Dr Mason gave an online talk on 'Solar Spectroscopy in the UV and X-rays' during the Indian National Science Week. The reach was hundreds of students in India both undergraduates and postgraduates. It was streamed live and on YouTube. The audience was engaged and asked interesting questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | International Women's Day - Invited talk at the IAU Women in Astronomy meeting (online) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the IAU, Enterprising Women in Astronomy, session as part of International Women's Day, 8 March 2022. Very good feedback about careers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNzYzFwropY |
Description | Invited talk at a solar conference in Venice on 'SunSpaceArt'. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The participants at the international conference held in Venice on 'Sun in Science and Society' were keen to learn about the STFC outreach project SunSpaceArt which I lead. There was plenty of discussion about the project and other projects linking science and the arts. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Loops10 - SunSpaceArt |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Dr Mason gave a talk about the STFC funded SunSpaceArt project at the Loops10 conference in Paris, June 2022. This stimulated a great deal of discussion and interest in how to engage audience in outreach projects relating to Solar Physics across Europe. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://loops10.sciencesconf.org/ |
Description | National Astronomy Meeting - July 2021, Sketching the stars |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Organised and participated in a lively session called 'Sketching the star' with astronomers and artists, online at the NAM 2021. We had a very animated session and good feedback about STEAM (STEM + Arts) activities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://nam2021.org/ |
Description | National Astronomy Meeting - Warwick 2022 |
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 | The SunSpaceARt team ran workshops for school children at the National Astronomy Meeting in Warwick. This was in support of the 'Sun' installation led by Prof Robert Walsh and UCLan. Several young researchers from Warwick helped with the delivery of the activities. The feedback from teachers and children was excellent. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://nam2022.org/public-engagement-temp/sun |
Description | Online talks to university and school students in India |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited talks given to university and school students in India on 7 September 2020 and 1 March 2022, about Solar Research, reaching hundreds of students, and available on YouTube, with very good feedback. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2022 |
Description | Our Place in Space - Cambridge, summer 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team ran family activities at the 'Our Place in Space' festival in July and August, 2022. This was a huge success with engagement from hundreds of families. Several artists and young researchers from the Institute of Astronomy, together with Yamini Rao, PDRA at DAMTP helped with these workshops. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://ourplaceinspace.earth/trail/cambridge |
Description | Public talk by Yamini Rao, post-doc |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Yamini Rao, PDRA at DAMTP, gave a public lecture about the Sun 'Unravelling the Sun's Mysteries' at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge University, on 30 November 2022. The feedback was very good, and she has been invited back to give another talk. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | StoryTrails - Slough into Space |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Dr Mason participated in 'StoryTrails - Slough goes to Space', an immersive experience funded by Unboxed. Workshops were held in the library. People expressed interest in the Sun and solar space studies. Children engaged in STEAM (STEM + Arts) activities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://unboxed2022.uk/storytrails-slough |
Description | SunSpaceArt workshops at Schools and 'drop-in' events at Science Festivals |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | SunSpaceArt workshops were run at 20 schools in England and Wales in 2023, reaching over 700 children and 50 teachers. 'Drop in 'SunSpaceArt' activities were run at the Festival of Tomorrow, Swindon, 2023, Cambridge Festival, March 2023, Cheltenham Science Festival, June 2023, Great Science Share, Queen Mary University of London June 2023, National Astronomy Meeting, Cardiff, July 2023, STFC Daresbury Laboratory Open Week, July 2023. The number of children and families reached is several hundred. At all events, the children asked questions about the Sun, solar science, the Solar System and astronomy. Hunderds of STFC leaflets were distributed together with information from ESA about Solar Orbiter. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | SunSpaceArt workshops at schools - 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team, led by Dr Helem Mason have worksed directly with 34 schools in 2022, with a national reach. The number of children reached is over 1,500, mainly at primary schools (KS2). The team have also worked with over 150 teachers. Details are given in a separate report to STFC Public Engagement team. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
Description | SunSpaceArt workshops at the Festival of Tomorrow, Swindon, February 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The SunSpaceArt team (led by Helen Mason) ran family workshops at the Festival of Science, Swindon, February 2022 |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.festivaloftomorrow.com/ |
Description | SunSpaceArt workshops in schools (in person and remote) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | SunSpaceArt workshops have been run in over 10 primary schools per annum, 'in person' and 'on-line' (details given on STFC PE spreadsheet). The feedback has been exceptional. 'For the students, it was inspiring to speak with two female scientists (Geraldine Cox and Steph Yardley, SSA team) as role models for working in the scientific field. A wide range of knowledge was provided, but well balanced with questioning and interaction with the class.' the teachers reported an increased interest in science and the creative arts. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
Description | SunSpaceArt.org and associated resources (worksheets and videos) |
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 | The SunSpaceArt.org website was released in spring 2020 to assist schools and home learning. In addition, extra resources were provided on the website, including 'Make it..' worksheets and videos, led by Helen Schell in collaboration with Art Matters Now. These have been very successful, with the hit rate for the website averaging 50 hits per day, but sometimes exceeding 100 per day. The videos are held on the SunSpaceArt YouTube site and are also a getting significant number of views. The feedback from teachers has been very good. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022 |
URL | http://sunspaceart.org |
Description | Talks to Astronomy Clubs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Prof Helen Mason has given talks to Astronomy Clubs in the UK and in India - India (ISSER), March 2023, Cambridge, Institute of Astronomy, September 2023. The audience are very interested and always ask lots of questions about solar science and space weather. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Talks to Astronomy clubs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Online talks were given by Dr Helen Mason to 3 stronomy clubs during 2022 'Reaching for the Sun', in Redditch, Somerset and Barry, Wales. The audience were engaged, gave feedback and asked lots of relevant questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Talks to sixth formers and university students |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Prof Helen Mason has given several talks about the Sun and solar science to hundreds of older students (KS3 and sixth formers) and undergraduate students, India, February 2023, Norwich, March 2023, Whitby, September 2023, Cambridge - Peterhouse Science Society, November 2023, Mildenhall College Academy, November 2023, India, Furgussen College, November 2023 . |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | The Spotty Sun |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The Spotty Sun was an article written by Helen Mason and published in Topical Science Updates, an online magazine for primary school teachers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | UK Solar Physics - Invited talk - 'Solar Spectroscopic Diagnostics - A Personal Perspective' |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | A talk about Helen Mason's career in solar physics to inspire younger researchers and tudents. Good feedback. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBgiFrM-eVM |