Exploring Relationship between Solar X-ray Irradiance and Magnetic Flux

Advisor: Keiji Yoshimura and Rhiannon Fleming

The Solar corona is the hot rare outermost part of the Sun. The temperature of the corona is known to be over a million Kelvin, which is much hotter than the visible surface of the Sun which only has a temperature of around 6000 Kelvin. Although the heating mechanism of the corona is still unclear, the magnetic field is considered to play a key role.
In this project we will compare the magnetic flux on Sun's surface and the soft X-ray irradiance from the corona to find characteristics of the unknown heating mechanism. We will use long-term data from two space instruments: X-Ray Telescope(XRT) aboard Hinode satellite (international mission among Japan/US/UK) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager(HMI) aboard Solar Dynamic Observatory (NASA mission) obtained for the period longer than the whole activity cycle of the Sun (11 years).

The student will learn how to handle those scientific data from the two satellites and gain knowledge of solar atmosphere and magnetic fields. Experience with IDL (Interactive Data Language) or similar programming languages is preferable but not required.

In addition, MSU will be hosting an international science conference on solar physics in July 2024. The student of this project will be provided with an opportunity of giving a poster presentation and get comments from the professionals of this field.