Audrey Robison
Montana State University Solar Physics REU 2022
Adviser: Dr. Jiong Qiu
I am a rising senior at Pepperdine Univesrsity and I am a physics major. I intend to pursue a PhD in astrophysics following my graduation in the spring of 20223. This summer, I participated in the Solar
Physics REU program at Montana State University to learn more about the sun and study the process of magnetic reconnection in greater depth. Additionally, I have gained a greater understanding of computing and data analysis techniques in astronomical fields.
Solar flares are spectacular energy release events in the Sun's atmosphere. It is understood that the energy to fuel flares is provided by the Sun's magnetic fields, most probably through a physical process called magnetic reconnection. Magnetic reconnection changes the way magnetic field lines connect to the Sun's surface, and the subsequent energy release is often manifested as heating along a multitude of newly formed magnetic flux tubes. Magnetic reconnection may also form large scale structures called flux ropes.
In this project, I am analyzing solar flare observations to measure properties of magnetic reconnection. Using mathematical models we will be able to study the rate and geometry of reconnection. These parameters, aided with models, will help us understand how released magnetic energy is used to heat flare plasmas, and how magnetic filed is re-organized by reconnection.
After the program, I plan on presenting my work at American Geophysical Union (AGU) fall meeting this December
at Chicago, IL. Find more information on the AGU meeting here.
Every two weeks, I presented and reported my progress to other interns and mentors. Short descriptions of
my progress for every two weeks as well as the presentation slides used can be found by clicking on the links
below.
Email: audreyrobison1@gmail.com
LinkedIn: See Profile