Study of Sheet Structures in Eruptive Solar Flares

Advisor: David McKenzie

Observations of high-energy emission from solar flares often reveal the presence of large sheet-like structures, sometimes extending over a space comparable to the Sun's radius (example: http://solar.physics.montana.edu/mckenzie/280892_l.gif). These sheets exist in a very important region where the magnetic field is expected to produce large sheets of electrical current. Complex motions are observed, including flows from magnetic reconnection, and apparent wakes and eddies. While the physical conditions within these regions control the magnetic reconnection and energy release for the flares, they have never been systematically studied from an observational perspective; so significant uncertainties remain unexplored. Theoretical models disagree on why the sheets are even visible.

In this project, we will measure the physical conditions in sheets from a number of solar flares to fill gaps in existing knowledge. The participating student will learn about solar flares, reconnection, and X-ray & EUV observations. A qualifying student should have passed course(s) in electromagnetism; experience in computer programming is desired but not required.