Solar & Stellar Group Research

Magnetic Coupling in the Heliosphere

Many strands of research are undertaken within the Solar & Stellar Physics group at MSSL under these general area. Projects mainly fall into one of the following four areas:

• Triggering and Evolution of Solar Eruptions
• Solar Wind Formation
• Emergence & Evolution of Solar Magnetic Fields
• Sun-Earth Connection

Triggering & Evolution of Solar Eruptions

Solar Wind Formation

Emergence & Evolution of Solar Magnetic Fields

Sun-Earth Connection

The Powerful Force of FlaresThe forces generated in flares can accelerate solar energetic particles along open fieldlines all the way from the Sun out to the Earth.

Li et al., Astron. & Astrophys., 503, 1013, 2009.

From Small Beginnings ...Even the smallest spotless active regions can generate coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that travel out across interplanetary space.

Steed et al., Ann. Geophys., 26,3159, 2008.

One Active Region & Opposite Magnetic CMEsA single active region can produce CMEs that have oppositely directed magnetic fields when measured near the Earth.

Harra et al., Solar Physics, 244, 85-114, 2007.

Reconnection can generate Wave SignaturesA series of reversals in the input and output fields during reconnection is termed 'oscillatory' and produces periodic heating and swaying jets.

Murray et al., Astron. & Astrophys., 494, 329-337, 2009.

Interchange Reconnection at WorkReconnection between active regions and coronal holes interchanges positions of closed and open field, hence 'interchange' reconnection.

Baker et al., Astron. Nachr., 328, 773, 2007.

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