Photospheric Flare Diagnostics

My research focuses on the radiative-hydrodynamic modelling of the Sun’s atmosphere in response to a solar flare.  During a solar flare, the energy released from magnetic reconnection can cause the solar atmosphere to be heated by millions of degrees, causing it to rapidly expand and brightly emit across the entire EM spectrum.  The computational modelling of these events has been vital in providing explanations of observed features and gaining an understanding of the most energetic events in the solar system.

My work primarily utilises the RADYN and RH codes, along with models from the F-CHROMA archive, to investigate how different flare scenarios and varying accelerated electron beam properties affect the photosphere.  By investigating the Doppler shifting and brightening of deep forming spectral lines we hope to gain a better understanding of how energy is transported through the deepest regions of the solar atmosphere.

Biography

Before starting my PhD in ARC I completed my MSci in Physics at Queen’s, with my final year research project providing the initial basis for my PhD project. Along with my research, I am strongly involved in outreach activities, participating in a number of public events for A Level and GCSE students and moderating the NI Science Festival: “Ask an Astronomer” panel.

Outside of my work at Queen’s, I have a long history of amateur dramatics (largely playing the comedic relief character in pantomimes) and enjoy playing guitar.

Research interests

• Solar and Stellar Activity
• Radiative-Hydrodynamic Modelling

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