UK Solar Physics » uksp_ch

PhD Studentships in Solar System Physics, Aberystwyth

uksp_ch — Tue, 25 May 2010 09:35:48 +0000

PHD STUDENTSHIP IN SOLAR SYSTEM PHYSICS

The Solar System Physics Group at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Physics invites applications for a two 3-year STFC-funded PhD studentships, commencing in October 2010.

Energy and matter emerge from the Sun and flow through our heliosphere, interacting with planetary atmospheres and surfaces, powering many of the processes which shape our world and define the planetary environment we live in. The Solar System Physics Group, part of the Institute of Maths and Physics (IMAPS) at Aberystwyth, studies this single system from the development of eruptive features on the Sun, through the evolution and structure of material in the solar wind, and the impact of this flow on the environments of the planets. This science exploitation goes hand in hand with a programme of solar system exploration, and we also researche the robotic and imaging technology for future missions that will dramatically improve their science return. The group carries out research under three main themes:

The Solar Wind and Heliosphere

The processes on the Sun that can lead to the outflow and eruption of solar material into interplanetary space are strongly related to the Sun’s magnetic field, and research is undertaken on the structure and dynamics of the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere and the structure and dynamics of these outflows and eruptions as they expand into the heliosphere. In particular we are world leaders in Interplanetary Scintillation (IPS) studies.

Planetary Magnetospheres and Ionospheres

We investigate the effect of solar material as it interacts with planets, and how it affects the loss of planetary atmospheres, particularly at Venus; Compare the behaviour of the magnetospheres, ionospheres and exospheres of Solar System planets and Moons.

Planetary Surfaces and Robotic Exploration

To determine the composition of the Moon and inner planets and identify their formation history; to develop the next generation of robotics for planetary exploration.

A PhD with the IMAPS team is an opportunity to undertake original research in one of these exciting fields. The successful applicant will receive training in theoretical/experimental techniques and participate in international conferences and collaborative work overseas.

The studentships provide resources to cover university fees plus a tax-free stipend (currently £13,290 per annum). Applicants should hold (or expect to achieve) a first or upper-second class MPhys or BSc honours degree in physics or a related subject by the summer of 2010. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate established UK residency (for more information see www.scitech.ac.uk/Grants/Studs/student.aspx#Residence).

IMAPS also offers 3 scholarships a year for Non-EU Postgraduates to cover the difference between overseas fees and UK/EU fees. For more information please contact the department at imaps@aber.ac.uk

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Prof Manuel Grande – (M.Grande@aber.ac.uk) as soon as possible, to make informal enquiries prior to submitting an application.

Aberystwyth University’s online application system and application forms are available at http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/howtoapply/ Once this formal application is made, suitable candidates will be invited to visit the institute to learn at first hand of the research activities, to meet members of staff and to see the facilities available.

The final closing date for applications is 30 June 2010, but the process will run throughout this period, so early application is advised.

Visit http://www.aber.ac.uk/en/imaps/prospective/postgrad/solarsystemprojects/

New online magazine – ‘Solar Observer’

uksp_ch — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:46:57 +0000

There is a new online popular magazine on Solar Astronomy, written by amateurs and professionals. See http://solar-observer.com/ for the web page. We’d like to encourage UKSP members to support the magazine by suggesting and writing articles.… continue to the full article

Two Lectureships in Astrophysics, University of Birmingham (UK)

uksp_ch — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:14:06 +0000

Two tenured academic posts at the Lecturer level, or exceptionally at a higher level, are available at the University of Birmingham as part of the second phase of the Midlands Physics Alliance, a HEFCE-funded initiative which supports collaborative research and graduate teaching across the neighbouring universities of Birmingham, Nottingham and Warwick.

These appointments will build on the existing active research teams at Birmingham working in the fields of asteroseismology, extragalactic astrophysics, and gravitational wave physics and astronomy. Informal enquiries relating to the asteroseismology area may be made to Professor Yvonne Elsworth (email: ype@bison.ph.bham.ac.uk), and in the areas of extragalactic astrophysics and gravitational waves to Professor Trevor Ponman (email: tjp@star.sr.bham.ac.uk).

Further details of the posts, together with information on application procedures, can be found via http://www.hr.bham.ac.uk/jobs/.

Please include a CV and a statement of your research and teaching interests with your application, and quote post numbers 43538. The closing date for applications is June 15th.

Direct link to the application page (“Apply” button on bottom LHS):

http://tiny.cc/v63f7

Further details:

http://www.download.bham.ac.uk/vacancies/jd/43538.pdf

PhD Positions in Oslo

uksp_ch — Sun, 02 May 2010 09:56:56 +0000

At the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo, we presently have available the following two positions in solar physics (please inform any good candidates you know!):

1) A fellowship for a Ph.D. student for 4 years in solar physics. The selected candidate is required to spend 25% of her/his time on teaching or other obligations. The Ph.D. student must start her/his studies at the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics before 1st October, 2010. Application deadline: 15th May, 2010. For further information and application procedure, see http://uio.easycruit.com/vacancy/400984/64278?iso=no

2) A postdoctoral research fellowship for 3 years within either solar physics or cosmology. The selected candidate must start in the position before 1st October, 2010. Application deadline: 31st May. For further information and application procedure, see the following link: http://www.admin.uio.no/opa/ledige-stillinger/2010/vitenskapelige/postdoctoralresearchfellowAstrophysics-2010-4502.html

Best regards,

Mats Carlsson

Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant in Solar Physics (3-year position)

uksp_ch — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:27:08 +0000

From: James McLaughlin

Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant (3-year position) [reference :CEI09/07 ]

Applications are invited for an internally–funded, Postdoctoral Research Assistant / Senior Research Assistant to undertake research in Solar Physics with Dr James McLaughlin. This postdoctoral position is fixed term for a period of 3 years from September 2010 until August 2013 (September is the expected start date, but this is flexible).

Applications are welcome from all areas of Solar Physics research, including magnetohydrodynamics, mathematical modelling of solar phenomena, and the analysis of solar observations. Candidates should complete the application form and include a list of relevant publications as well as details of their research plans for the post.

If you are interested in applying for this position, feel free to call me (0191-227-3667) or email me for further details (james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk).

Note the deadline – Monday 5th April 2010 !

The job advert can be found here:

http://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/cei0907-10

and I have reproduced it below. Note that the position is advertised as : Mathematics – Ref: CEI09/07

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Senior Research Assistants/Research Assistants

School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences

Ref: CEI09/07-10

Salary: SRA: £25,198 – £30,656; RA: £20,316-£23,767

We are looking to appoint Senior Research Assistants / Research Assistants in the following areas:

• Mathematics (fixed term until August 2013) – Ref: CEI09/07

• Renewable Energy (fixed term for 3 years) – Ref: CEI09/08

• Imaging for Forensics and Security (fixed term for 3 years) – Ref: CEI09/09

• Photonic – Microwave Communication Engineering (fixed term until August 2011) – Ref: CEI09/10

You will be required to undertake research in a relevant area which is complementary to the current research portfolio of the School, contribute to teaching modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and engage in external activities to build collaborative research with other public and private organisations.

You must hold a good first degree and have subject expertise within the relevant discipline. Relevant specialist knowledge gained from experience of research activity, professional practice or consultancy is also essential. A PhD in a relevant discipline is required for applications at Senior Research Assistant level.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr. Colin Creasy on 0191 227 4348.

If you would like to apply, please send your completed Application Form to staffcareers@northumbria.ac.uk.

Application forms can be found here:

http://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/cei0907-10

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Closing date: 5 April 2010

Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Mathematics & Statistics

uksp_ch — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:23:21 +0000

Job Advert

http://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/cei0906

Senior Lecturer/Lecturer in Mathematics & Statistics

School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences

Northumbria University (at Newcastle)

Ref: CEI09/06

Salary: SL: £36,715 – £45,155; L: £31,671 – £35,646

You will be required to develop and deliver modules in Statistics and related areas of Mathematics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and also initiate and carry out research and/or consultancy which will contribute directly to the School. Engagement in external activities to build collaboration with public and private organisations will also be required.

You must hold a good first degree in Mathematics, Statistics or a related area along with subject expertise in this area. You must also have experience of Mathematical research activity, including publications which will contribute to the research submissions of the School.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Colin Creasy on 0191 2274348 or Dr James McLaughlin (james.a.mclaughlin@northumbria.ac.uk).

If you would like to apply, please send your completed Application Form to staffcareers@northumbria.ac.uk.

Application forms can be found at:

http://work4.northumbria.ac.uk/hrvacs/cei0906

Closing date: 5 April 2010

Northumbria University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:21:43 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI Science Nugget, “Cycle 24 has begun,” by Hugh Hudson.

Activity has increased sufficiently to state that we have left the doldrums at last.

Please see this Nugget at http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/Cycle_24_has_begun.

Older Nuggets are available at http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_Science_Nuggets (new series), and http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/nuggets/ (first series).

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions, which should be at least loosely related to RHESSI science.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

RAS Thesis Prizes

uksp_ch — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:26:44 +0000

RAS THESIS PRIZES

The RAS awards 2 prizes annually: the Michael Penston and Keith Runcorn Prizes respectively for the best doctoral theses in astronomy/astrophysics and solar-system sciences/geophysics. Each prize, of £1000, is sponsored by Wiley-Blackwell and is administered by the RAS Higher Education Committee. Where appropriate, runners up are also recognized.

For more information see:

Michael Penston Prize: http://www.ras.org.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=35

Keith Runcorn Prize: http://www.ras.org.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=36

The award is open to students of all nationalities registered at Universities in the United Kingdom and is not restricted to Fellows of the RAS.

The winner of the prize, normally, will be invited to give a short presentation on their thesis to an Ordinary Meeting of the Society.

Nominations for this year’s award are now invited and must be received by the Executive Secretary by 31st January 2010.

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:40:09 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI Science Nugget, “Relative and (maybe)

Absolute RHESSI Detector Efficiency: 2002-2008″, by Jim McTiernan.

The thousands of flares observed by RHESSI are used to intercalibrate its nine detectors, and we also use the standard GOES soft X-ray data as an external reference.

Please see

http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/Relative_and_(maybe)_Absolute_RHESSI_Detector_Efficiency:_2002-2008

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:17:53 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI Science Nugget, “A Tiny White-Light Flare”, by Hugh Hudson.

A faint white-light flare serves as a model for the continuous energy distribution of the impulsive phase

Please see http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/A_tiny_white-light_flare

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

Responsibility for funding STP

uksp_ch — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:27:48 +0000

From: Rosemary Young (STFC)

Following the recommendation of the Wakeham review, funding responsibility for solar terrestrial physics research which relates to the Earth is being transferred to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) from the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The two research councils have drawn up the following agreement to assist the research community:

Responsibility for Funding Solar Terrestrial PhysicsOn the advice of the Wakeham review, NERC and STFC have agreed the following definition of which parts of solar terrestrial physics research are most relevant to the NERC mission:

The parts of solar terrestrial physics research which are most relevant to the NERC mission are those whose primary goal is to understand the Earth’s environment from the deep interior to the upper atmosphere (i.e., mesosphere, thermosphere and ionosphere). We refer to this as Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics.

NERC and STFC have also agreed the following set of principles as guidance for the community and research partners:

STFC retains responsibility for funding space-based facilities (spacecraft, instruments and operations) for solar terrestrial physics and their associated primary exploitation. NERC becomes a stakeholder in the selection process for Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics missions;

NERC assumes responsibility for funding ground-based instruments for Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics supported through EISCAT (http://e7.eiscat.se/)[1];

NERC assumes responsibility for funding Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics research, except that primarily exploiting STFC-funded space-based facilities;

STFC assumes responsibility for funding all non-Earth-oriented solar terrestrial physics research (e.g., fundamental space plasma physics and not related to the Earth).

Further advice with respect to current or future support for these areas of research can be obtained from:

STFC:

For space-based facilities and projects – Rosemary Young (rosemary.young@stfc.ac.uk, tel: 01793 442135)

For research grants – Kim Burchell (kim.burchell@stfc.ac.uk, tel: 01793 442021)

NERC:

For facilities: Lin Kay (rlfk@nerc.ac.uk , tel: 01793 416600)

For research grants: Bill Eason (wre@nerc.ac.uk, tel: 01793 411961)

[1]NERC is working with EISCAT and STFC to transfer responsibility for EISCAT in the UK from STFC to NERC.

New RHESSI science nugget

uksp_ch — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:38:28 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI science nugget, “Dips and Waves”, by Iain Hannah and Eduard Kontar.

The inclusion of wave-particle interactions appears to have a drastic effect on the classical thick-target model for flare hard X-ray emission

Please see http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/Dips_and_Waves

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals and welcome contributions.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

Link to NUAP document

uksp_ch — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:54:13 +0000

Dear All,

Thank you to those of you who have already responded to the NUAP questionnaire. Unfortunately if you have tried to make a submission within the last few days you will have noticed that the Web links have been unavailable. This was caused by some maintenance work on the STFC Website. This work has now been completed and the links restored. I apologise for any inconvienience this might have caused and encourage you to provide your inputs before the end of 4th November as detailed in the message below.

Thank you,
Rosemary Young

Dear All,

We emailed you after the presentation to PPAN on 28th September 2009 with a link to the NUAP presentation which was given see: http://www.scitech.ac.uk/resources/pdf/NUAPtoPPAN280909.pdf

PPAN has requested we obtain further feedback from you on a number of issues which we need to take account in our next version of the strategy document. This will be presented at the end of November as input into the prioritization exercise which will be completed by the end of the year.

In order for us to do this in a timely fashion we set a deadline of the end of the day on 4th November 2009 to respond to the questionnaire on http://www.scitech.ac.uk/forms/nuapquestnew.aspx

Thanks for your assistance with these issues,

Best regards
Michele Dougherty and NUAP

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:52:06 +0000

We announce a new RHESSI Science Nugget, “imaging through visibility interpolation: uv-smooth” by Anna Massone and Michele Piana.

RHESSI visibilities allow incredibly fast and robust imaging of solar flares. Read this nugget and you’ll learn how.

See http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/Imaging_through_visibility_interpolation:_uv-smooth.

We publish these Nuggets at two-week intervals and welcome contributions.… continue to the full article

Message to UKSP from STFC Near Universe Advisory Panel

uksp_ch — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:00:35 +0000

Dear All,

The NUAP strategy was presented to PPAN yesterday; and the presentation shown can be found at

http://www.scitech.ac.uk/About/Strat/Council/AdCom/nuap.aspx

Please note that this presentation contains images from a people’s Web pages and research in order to demonstrate the breadth of the science area covered by NUAP.

We received positive feedback from PPAN in that it is clear that a great deal of work has been done within our large community to begin to form a clear strategy of where NUAP science wishes to go in the future. However it was also very clear that difficult decisions need to be made by PPAN and STFC in regards to where the limited funding will go. Towards that end PPAN is asking us to poll you, the community, on a number of difficult issues. If we do not respond to these issues then the decisions will be made for us. As soon as we have confirmation of the specific questions from PPAN we will send out another email asking for your response. Thanks for your responses and assistance this far in the process.

Best regards

Michele Dougherty

Chair NUAP

UKSP at NAM2010 – call for parallel sessions. Deadline 31st October 2009

uksp_ch — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:19:17 +0000

Call for UK Solar Physics Session Proposals

UK Solar Physics meeting

jointly with RAS NAM and MIST

Glasgow, April 12th – 16th 2010

On behalf of the UK Solar Physics Organising Committee we would like to invite from the Solar Physics community nominations for parallel session themes for next year’s meeting. The SOC also particularly welcomes proposals for themes that are regarded as timely or relating to current or upcoming missions. Proposals are welcomed for any topic or research area considered relevant to Solar and Heliospheric Physics. Particularly welcomed are joint UKSP with NAM or MIST or both sessions, which are likely to have broad cross-community appeal. The NAM/UKSP/MIST 2010 programme will include slots for up to 42 parallel sessions, each of 90 minutes’ duration, with further sessions in the programme dedicated for poster viewing.

At this stage the following information

is requested by email to

eduard(at)astro.gla.ac.uk

and cc to

martin(at)astro.gla.ac.uk

by October 31, 2009 :

1. Theme and provisional title of parallel session.

2. Brief rationale for the session (1 paragraph)

3. A nominated session organiser(s)

4. Expected number of a) participants and b) speakers

It is expected that the final programme of parallel sessions

will be drawn up before the end of 2009.

UK Solar Physics Meeting SOC: Gerry Doyle (Armagh),

Rekha Jain (Sheffield); Eduard Kontar (Glasgow) – chair;

Duncan MacKay (St Andrews); David Pontin (Dundee)

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STFC NUAP strategy document submitted

uksp_ch — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:12:37 +0000

From: Rosemary Young (STFC)

NUAP has submitted the strategy document to PPAN, please see http://www.stfc.ac.uk/Resources/PDF/NUAP_PPANReport_210909.pdf

This document has resulted from an iterative consultation process with the community, which will continue in the months and years to come and will lead to the document’s further evolution.

In the short-term, a presentation on this strategy document will be made to PPAN on Monday, 28th September, 2009, after which NUAP plans to continue with its consultation with the community.

For any suggestions/concerns you may have regarding this document please send an email to nuap@stfc.ac.uk

Rosemary Young

RHESSI Science nugget

uksp_ch — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:05:45 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI science nugget,

RHESSI in Cycle 24 by Sam Krucker and Hugh Hudson

RHESSI has successfully imaged one of the first flares of Cycle 24

in hard X-rays

http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_in_Cycle_24

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:08:10 +0000

This is to announce a new RHESSI science nugget,

“Confined Flares versus Eruptive Flares” by Jie Zhang

Eruptions tend not to happen for events that occur deep within an active region

http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_Science_Nuggets

We publish these at roughly two-week intervals.

Steven Christe

Hugh Hudson

schriste@ssl.berkeley.edu… continue to the full article

RA position (12 months) at University of Glasgow

uksp_ch — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:47:12 +0000

A 12 month postdoc position is available at the University of Glasgow, in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Salary range £25,623-£28,839 (grade 6)

Reference number 00039-5

Job Purpose

To undertake high-quality research in solar physics, in particular, to study the physics of strong surface flows on the photosphere, with emphasis on flow-driven ionisation, and possibly the evolution of magnetic field features.

The successful candidate must be available for employment from no later than October 1st 2009.

For further details, including information on the application process, see

http://www22.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_glasgow01.asp?newms=jj&id=28382

Closing date 12th September 2009

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:35:51 +0000

Announcing a new RHESSI Science Nugget

“Solar Cosmic Rays of the GLE on 20 January 2005″ by Sophie Masson and Ludwig Klein

The relativistic solar protons of this event are related to an extended impulsive phase in the low corona

It can be found at http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/RHESSI_Science_Nuggets

We publish these at roughly two week intervals and gratefully accept contributed articles.

S. Christe

H. Hudson

New RHESSI Science Nugget

uksp_ch — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:06:39 +0000

Announcing a new RHESSI Science Nugget

“CMEless Flares?” by Hugh Hudson and Sa”m Krucker.
Major flares without CMEs have distinguishing X-ray properties.

It can be found at http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~tohban/wiki/index.php/CMEless_Flares.
We publish these at roughly two week intervals and gratefully accept contributed articles.… continue to the full article