Photospheric Shear and Magnetic Connectivity in C-Class Solar Flares with Potential Field Extrapolations

Project Description:

Solar flares are manifestations of magnetic energy release in the solar atmosphere and are closely linked to the evolution of stressed magnetic fields in solar active regions. In particular, polarity inversion lines, photospheric shear flows, and changes in magnetic connectivity are regarded as key signatures of flare-productive environments. This project will investigate these relationships in a sample of C-class solar flares observed between 2010 and 2026 by combining GOES soft X-ray data, SDO/AIA imaging, magnetic diagnostics derived from SDO/HMI SHARP observations, and potential field extrapolations of the coronal magnetic field. The student will examine how flare brightenings relate spatially and temporally to polarity inversion lines, nearby shear-flow structures, and the magnetic connectivity suggested by extrapolated field lines. By extending the analysis across multiple events, the project will assess whether compact overlap regions between polarity inversion lines, shear signatures, and flare brightenings are recurring features of C-class flares.

Research Area:

Solar Physics

Project Level:

Masters

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

The student undertaking this project must be well versed in Python. Experience with SunPy and/or IDL will be an advantage.