Heliophysics & Solar-Terrestrial Dynamics
Unraveling the Sun's magnetic engine, coronal heating mystery, and space weather hazards.
Magnetic Reconnection & The Coronal Heating Paradox
Using the Parker Solar Probe (flying within 3.8 million miles of the photosphere at 430,000 mph) and the Solar Orbiter mission, heliophysicists study magnetic reconnection, solar flare particle acceleration, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and the supersonic solar wind to safeguard global satellite constellations, electric grids, and interplanetary astronaut missions.
Heliophysics Breakthroughs
Parker Solar Probe 'Touches' the Sun
2021First spacecraft to cross the Alfvén critical surface, directly sampling the magnetized coronal plasma.
Magnetic Switchbacks Discovered
2022Identified S-shaped kinks in solar magnetic field lines originating from magnetic reconnection near coronal funnels.
Solar Cycle 25 Peak & Super-Storm G5
2024Observed the most powerful geomagnetic storm in two decades with historic aurora borealis displays visible near the equator.
Solar Diagnostic Methodologies
Carbon-carbon composite heat shields (surviving >1,400°C) shielding Faraday cups and magnetic fluxgates.
Observes surface acoustic Doppler oscillations to image magnetic flux structures hidden on the far side of the Sun.
Captures million-degree plasma emission loops at sub-second cadence.