Understanding the dynamic magnetic field in the solar atmosphere

Dr David MacTaggart, from the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Glasgow, is using ARCHIE-WeSt to investigate the dynamic behaviour of the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere. The solar magnetic field is responsible for the generation of space weather, which can involve eruptions that damage artificial satellites orbiting the Earth or even knock out power grids. Understanding the eruption mechanisms in the solar magnetic field is not a simple task as magnetic field lines are inherently three dimensional, highly dynamic and rapidly change their connectivity. The project combines the numerical modelling of the dynamic magnetic field with topological analysis techniques that provide both theoretical insight and an aid to the interpretation of solar observations.

For more information on this project, please contact Dr David MacTaggart (david.mactaggart@glasgow.ac.uk), Lecturer in Applied Mathematics at the University of Glasgow.

For a list of the research areas in which ARCHIE-WeSt users are active please click here.