We are pleased to announce the first School on Solar Spectropolarimetry and Diagnostic Techniques sponsored by the High Altitude Observatory (NCAR), the Advanced Study Program of NCAR and the National Solar Observatory. The school will take place in Estes Park (Colorado), from September 24 through October 5, 2018.
This two-week school will present a comprehensive overview of the field of solar spectropolarimetry and the tools and methods used for decoding the polarization of the solar spectrum.

The first week of the school intends to equip the participants with the basic knowledge of how polarization is produced in the Sun and measured with our instruments. We will delve into the theory of radiative transfer to understand how the polarized light is actually generated and modified as it propagates through the Sun’s atmosphere, and at the same time we will describe the typical optical devices and instrumentation techniques that enable the measurement of the Sun’s polarized spectrum.

In the second week, participants will learn how the theoretical and modeling concepts acquired during the first week are used in practice to extract information about the physical conditions of the Sun’s atmosphere. We will present three different spectral-line inversion codes, with guided tutorials involving hands-on activities, with the goal of developing a working understanding of these software packages and their use for the analysis of spectropolarimetric observations.

We will select 25 applicants through a competitive process to participate in the school. The duration of the school is two full weeks, and participants will receive partial or full support (depending on funding availability) for travel, accommodation and per diem. Details about the school and instructions for the application process are available through the school url: www.asp.ucar.edu/spectropolarimetry

The deadline for application is May 31, 2018.

We welcome applications from Solar Physicists from all walks of life. However, graduate students and early career scientists in the field will be given priority. The ASP strives to have a diverse representation of universities and student backgrounds at the school. Women and students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.