Turbulent field topology and particle scattering in the Solar Corona
Christopher Chaston, Research Physicist
Space Sciences Laboratory
Closed. This professor is continuing with Fall 2023 apprentices on this project; no new apprentices needed for Spring 2024.
In this project we seek to advance understanding of how turbulent electromagnetic field topologies may scatter ions in the plasmas close to Sun. This process may drive heating and energization of the ion distributions through this region of space and forces plasma outward from the Sun in the Solar Wind. Understanding this process is one of the main drivers of NASA’s mission to the Sun known as the Parker Solar Probe.
Role: The students will perform analyses of electromagnetic fields measurements from the Parker Solar Probe to identify morphological features. Using statistical techniques and theoretical models, movies replicating the 3-D dynamics of the fields and plasma will be created. Time permitting, these model fields will be used to drive test-particle distributions of ions to determine if the observed character of the particle distributions are consistent with those observed from the spacecraft. The students will gain experience in time series data analysis techniques and basic space plasma physics.
Qualifications: The student should be familiar with Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force. The ability to write computer code is necessary.
Hours: 3-5 hrs
Off-Campus Research Site: Covid safe/Remote
Related website: https://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/parker-solar-probe