Thesis

A 3D semi-empirical model for the solar atmosphere

• Call:

  IDPASC Portugal - PHD Programme 2014

• Academic Year:

  2014 /2015

• Domain:

  Astrophysics

• Supervisor:

  João Fernandes

• Co-Supervisor:

  Teresa Barata

• Institution:

  Universidade de Coimbra

• Host Institution:

  CITEUC

• Abstract:

  The solar atmosphere (namely the photosphere and the chromosphere) has been extensively studied on the aim to understand physical phenomena as the convection and the solar magnetic field. To understand those is crucial to know about the solar activity and his causes. At the Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra we have a large data base of more than 30000 solar images. With more than 80 years of observations, since 1926, a local spectroheliograph acquires sun digital images in three wavelengths bands (Halpha, K1-V and K3) every day including weekends and holidays. Data acquisition averages more than 300 (clear sky) days per year. All old analog photographs have been digitized. For each day we have images of the photosphere and the chromosphere and the consequent features of interest (sunspots, filaments, flares). So the idea of this project is to build a semi-empirical model of the solar atmosphere crossing the data acquired in Coimbra with MHD simulations in order to the internal structure of the atmosphere, this means for example, the internal profile of pressure, temperature and density. This work will be a combination with image recognition methodologies (using the mathematical morphology operators) and the MHD simulations.