RESEARCH FIELD

Solar Physics

Solar physics studies our nearest star across its interior dynamics, surface activity, magnetized atmosphere, and the heliospheric environment it creates. The Parker Solar Probe has swooped through the solar corona at record distances under ten solar radii, directly sampling the region where the solar wind is accelerated and coronal heating occurs. Helioseismology uses acoustic waves propagating through the solar interior as natural seismographs, mapping differential rotation and probing deep convection zone dynamics. Understanding the solar magnetic activity cycle and the drivers of extreme flares and coronal mass ejections is critical for predicting space weather events that can disrupt power grids and satellite communications. Solar physics underpins models of stellar activity broadly applicable to exoplanet habitability assessments.