Evolution of Solar Active Regions on the Far Side

Advisor: Jiong Qiu

The outer atmosphere of the Sun is very dynamic, as governed by magnetic fields. To understand and predict solar activity, magnetic field measurements are essential. Such measurements of the hemisphere facing the Earth have been provided by the Solar Dynamic Observatory; however, we do not know how active regions evolve when they are behind the Earth view. The STEREO mission launched in 2006 carries two spacecraft orbiting the Sun in opposite directions. They each have reached a vantage point at an angle 90 degrees away from the Earth view, and therefore provided precious observations of the other hemisphere of the Sun.

In this project, we will analyze the ultraviolet images of the Sun taken by the twin spacecraft onboard STEREO in 2011 and 2012, and use these signatures to study evolution of Sun's active regions. These observations can be compared with the magnetic field measurements in the same regions but taken 14 days earlier or later by the Earth-view spacescraft SDO. The student will learn about the Sun's atmosphere and magnetism. Experience with IDL or similar programming languages is desired though not required.