Montana State University

MSU Solar Astronomy & Space Physics REU Program




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REU Sample Project:


Quantifying the Heating Energy in Individual Post-Reconnection Flare Loops

Author: Simon Shepard, REU 2024 participant (Physics major, Western Kentucky University)  

Abstract:  Solar flares are significant energy release events that occur at and above the solar surface. It has been known for a long time that magnetic reconnection drives the energy release and forms many flare loops, where plasmas are heated. However, the task of rigorously quantifying the energy used to heat individual flare loops has been challenging. Using data from the Solar Dynamics Observatory's (SDO) Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) and Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), the M6.6 flare occurring on June 22, 2015, at approximately 18 UT was analyzed and modeled to quantify the heating energy.

This work was presented at the Hinode17/IRIS14/SPHERE meeting in 2024 July, and has won the Best Paper Prize.

What do former REU students say about the program?


"I would highly recommend the Solar Physics REU program. The program gives you a real insight into what research is really like ... " more  

 

Application for 2026 summer is open. Apply by February 16.

Objectives
  • Provide high-quality state-of-the-art research experience.
  • Develop independence, creativity, and interest in physics and astronomy graduate study.
  • Demonstrate how academic knowledge acquired in classes relates to real-world research problems.
  • Develop and strengthen practical research skills.
  • Encourage participation by under-represented students in STEM research and career.

Research

Most projects involve analysis of data from current space missions such as Parker Solar Probe, Solar Dynamics Observatory , Hinode, STEREO , and IRIS , past space missions including Yohkoh, SOHO, TRACE, and RHESSI, and ground-based observatories like DKIST. Experience has shown that data analysis projects are suitable for most undergraduates at the sophomore or junior level.  Additionally, each year there are a few opportunities in solar magneto-hydrodynamics, and space hardware development.
Recently, the REU program has expanded to also include astrophysical topics such as gravitational waves and black holes.
List of 2026 projects

Venue

The summer months in Montana offer outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation and other activities associated with the university and the community. Surrounded by spectacular mountains and rivers, Bozeman is within easy driving distance of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Benefits

Our program gives participants an opportunity to develop skills for contemporary research under the guidance of internationally known physicists. These REU experiences help students make informed decisions about graduate school and careers in academia, research, and STEM fields.

Training and Education

The first week of our program includes training in the unix/linux/Solaris computing environment and programming languages as tools for numerical modeling and data analysis.  Lectures by MSU faculty and visiting professors cover a variety of subjects related to the research program. Participants are also trained in public speaking and communications. The last week of our program includes participant presentations of research results. Successful projects lead to presentations at conferences and publications in journals. For a more detailed look at the program, see the calendars for 2025.

Eligibility

Participants must be full-time undergraduates, typically finishing their sophomore or junior years, and will not graduate before 2026 summer. Applications from underrepresented groups are particularly welcomed. Application is restricted to US citizens or permanent residents.

Practical Details

The summer 2026 program will run from May 26 through July 31. Time-critical first and last week activities and summer housing limitations preclude other start and end dates. Stipends will be $7000 plus 100 on-campus meals for the ten week program. Domestic travel costs to and from Bozeman (up to economy-class air fare) from home or campus are covered and university residence hall lodging (single room dorm) is provided.