The solar atmosphere, composed of distinct layers, displays intricate and fascinating behaviors. Its variability manifests in various forms, ranging from the 11-year solar cycle to the short-term impacts of space weather, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections. While modern solar missions enhance our understanding of the Sun's upper atmosphere, historical solar data provide a window into its past behavior. This seminar will delve into the complex nature of the Sun's atmospheric layers – the photosphere, chromosphere, transition region, and corona – and investigate their interactions, with a focus on the magnetic fields that drive nearly all solar variability. The discussion will also emphasize the broader implications of solar atmospheric dynamics for space weather prediction, satellite communication, and Earth's climate, highlighting the critical importance of studying our nearest star.
Dean's Office