The formation of solar prominences: flows and twists in magnetic flux tubes

This project develops a new analytical and numerical modelling framework for studying the role of plasma flows in forming twists in magnetic flux tubes. Twisted magnetic flux tubes are common structural features in the solar atmosphere, the largest of which are prominences. The formation mechanism of these structures is still an open question, and this project will explore the role of plasma flows in inducing twisted magnetic structures. Furthermore, the degree of twisting can lead to instability and subsequent eruption. Understanding these prominence eruptions is key to understanding the birth of space weather events near the Sun.