UK Solar Physics Newsletter
Valery Nakariakov & Ineke De Moortel, Editors
December 1st 2012
Dear Colleagues,
Here are a few items which have come to our attention since the last
Newsletter.
You can find this newsletter also at the UKSP website:
http://www.uksolphys.org/news/last-15-days/
Ineke ([log in to unmask])
Valery ([log in to unmask])
General News/UKSP Business:
o Bob Lin 1942 – 2012
o Astronomy Guidelines – 2013
o Explore Your Universe: Scientist and Engineer Training
Nuggets
o New EIS science nugget
Meetings/Workshops/Summer Schools:
o Registration to the Joint STFC Futures / DH workshop on cancer care
o RAS Meeting on Outer Planets
o Solar ALMA Workshop – 2nd announcement
o EGU2013- Opportunities for Students & Young Scientists
Jobs/Studentships:
o St Andrews 600th Anniversary PhD scholarships
o Post-doctoral scientist positions available at the Institute of Space Sciences,
Shandong University, China
o Job Advert – Research Assistant/Associate – Geodynamo Modelling – Glasgow
o PhD in Experimental High-Energy Heliophysics at ETH Zurich / FHNW
o Post Doctoral Research Assistant in Solar Imaging (SOLID PROJECT)
Solar News Items of Interest -
http://spd.aas.org/SolarNews/archive/news.html
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* General News/UKSP Business *
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Bob Lin 1942 – 2012
from Hugh Hudson [November 26, 2012]
It is with great sadness that we report the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Bob Lin. Bob was an emeritus professor of physics at UC Berkeley and a former director of the Space Sciences Laboratory. He also held a chaired professorship at Kyung Hee University in Korea, and was a visiting professor at Peking University in China.
His brilliant research career embraced areas of solar physics, heliospheric physics, planetary geology, magnetospheric physics, and astrophysics, and he will be warmly remembered by his many friends in these areas. He had just successfully embarked on a relatively new and very promising area of research, the measurement of energetic neutral atoms in space with a “swarm” of microsatellites. He was fortunate enough to see the successful launch of the first of this swarm, CINEMA. The full program will consist of two cubesats from Berkeley and two from Kyung Hee. Bob’s wisdom, enthusiasm, and unfailing courteousness will be missed by his friends, colleagues, and his many students. His wise counsel contributed strongly to both national and international levels of planning in his fields of expertise, and especially at our institution.
S.D. Bale, H.S. Hudson, F.S. Mozer, and G.K. Parks Space Sciences Laboratory, UC Berkeley
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Astronomy Guidelines – 2013
from Melanie Kidd [November 21, 2012]
Dear Colleagues
This note is to advise that the closing date for the 2013 Astronomy Grant Round is 13th February 2013. Submissions will be accepted from 1st December 2012.
The Astronomy Guidelines for Applicants have been revised slightly and have now been published they can be found at http://www.stfc.ac.uk/Our+Research/12214.aspx
Potential Applicants are strongly advised to read the guidelines in detail revisions have been highlighted.
New groups submitting their first consolidated proposal or those considering a consortium submission are advised to inform the AGP programme manager.
Should you have any queries please email the AGP programme manager directly [log in to unmask]
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Explore Your Universe: Scientist and Engineer Training
from Melanie Kidd [November 19, 2012]
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) have recently set up a partnership with the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres (ASDC) called Explore Your Universe: Atoms to Astrophysics.
The vision of the project is to inspire a new sense of excitement about the physical sciences, among young people and their families. To achieve this, we are equipping 10 ASDC member centres with equipment, training and other resources, so that they can deliver inspiring schools workshops, family shows and more, all based around physics, including particle physics.
As part of this new and exciting partnership there is an opportunity for you to get involved and talk to the public about your research. Interested?… then see below about how to attend two practical training sessions with hands on activities to help in communicating your work. It could be fun, exciting and rewarding!.
Please note the closing date is nominal- you can still register !!
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We would be delighted to invite scientists and Engineers working with STFC to a Free communications & public engagement training
This opportunity is open to:
All STFC staff, related researchers and regular facility users at all levels who are keen to share their exciting work with schools and the public and make their impact count in the REF
Information and Registration
Explore Your Universe is a partnership between the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres and STFC. The vision of this national project is to inspire a new sense of excitement around the physical sciences with young people and families across the UK.
As part of this, some of the most experienced science engagement practioners in the country are joining forces to offer two unique training academies for 50 STFC staff and related-researchers. There are two one-day academies which will cover opportunities and techniques to work with the public and schools, how to report these activities as part of the REF, and the opportunity to practice these skills in science centres across the UK.
The Explore Your Universe project is providing equipment and training to 10 science centres, and so this interactive, participatory training focuses on using hands-on practical approaches to communicating your work.
There are two Academies in one of two science centres:
• Thursday 29 November in At-Bristol Science Centre
• Friday 7 December at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
We will cover your travel expenses and provide refreshments throughout the day. Overnight accommodation can also be provided where needed.
For full details of the programme and registration, please visit the web page here.
Please DO share this with your colleagues.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the project manager, Dr Michaela Livingstone, [log in to unmask]
Best wishes and we look forward to seeing you there!
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* Nuggets *
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New EIS science nugget
from Lucie Green [November 29, 2012]
We are pleased to announce a new EIS science nugget, “Episodic Chromospheric Evaporation in Flare Loop Strands Observed with EIS” by Jeff Brosius (Catholic University of America/NASA Goddard Space Flight Center).
The nugget can be viewed here:
http://msslxr.mssl.ucl.ac.uk:8080/SolarB/nuggets/nugget_2012nov.jsp
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Registration to the Joint STFC Futures / DH workshop on cancer care
from Melanie Kidd [November 22, 2012]
Dear Colleague,
The registration to the Joint STFC Futures / DH workshop on cancer care is now closed.
If you have registered your interest in taking part to it you will receive further details by the end of this week.
If you had not registered, but would like to ask for information, please contact me directly on [log in to unmask]
Best wishes,
Barbara Camanzi
Dr Barbara Camanzi
STFC Cancer Care Strategy Leader
Futures Programme
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Harwell Oxford
Didcot OX11 0QX
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1235 445725 Mob: 07909 883257
Fax: +44 (0)1235 446733
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RAS Meeting on Outer Planets
from Leigh Fletcher [November 22, 2012]
RAS Discussion Meeting Friday December 14th 2012 10am-4pm
Future Exploration of the Outer Planets
http://www.ras.org.uk/component/gem/?id=191
The Royal Astronomical Society will be hosting a Specialist Discussion Meeting on December 14th 2012 to bring together experts in giant planet systems to identify the key science questions and technology requirements for future exploration of the outer solar system. The program features guest speakers on a range of topics, from future missions to the giant planets and their diverse collection of satellites, to the technologies required in the coming decades for landers, orbiters and in situ exploration. The final programme can be found here:
http://www.atm.ox.ac.uk/user/fletcher/Site/RAS_Meeting.html
You are welcome to display posters concerning recent research and open questions for giant planet system science – please inform Leigh Fletcher by email as soon as possible ([log in to unmask]) if you wish to do so. The themes of this meeting include:
- Drivers for exploration of the Jupiter and Saturn systems ? open questions and the scientific potential.
- Orbital exploration of an Ice Giant planetary system ? science questions and technological feasibility.
- In situ exploration of giant planet atmospheres (probes) and satellite surfaces (landers) to provide a window onto the formational history of our solar system.
- Future space-telescopic observations of our solar system in the post-Hubble/Spitzer/Herschel era.
We hope the programme will be an interesting way to round off a busy 2012, and look forward to seeing you at the RAS on December 14th!
Best wishes,
Leigh Fletcher & Chris Arridge
http://www.atm.ox.ac.uk/user/fletcher/Site/RAS_Meeting.html
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Solar ALMA Workshop – 2nd announcement
from uksp_sec [November 19, 2012]
Dear Colleagues,
Please note the fast approaching registration deadlines for the 1st Solar ALMA workshop.
When: January 14-17, 2013
Where: University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
URL: http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/~eduard/solarALMA/
Registration deadline (with support request/invitation letter): 22/11/2012 Registration/abstract submission deadline: 7/12/2012
The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), an international partnership of Europe, North America and East Asia in cooperation with the Republic of Chile, is the largest astronomical project in existence. The workshop aims to bring together the ALMA-minded solar community to discuss solar observational issues with ALMA, solar science and planned observations with ALMA, and the planning of solar ALMA observations.
For further details, see the draft timetable:
http://www.astro.gla.ac.uk/~eduard/solarALMA/program.html
There are still some slots for contributed talks.
Hope to see you in Glasgow
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EGU2013- Opportunities for Students & Young Scientists
from Claire Foullon [November 26, 2012]
Dear Colleagues,
There are a couple of opportunities for students and young scientists planning to participate in EGU General Assembly 2013, 7-12 April, Vienna, Austria:
OUTSTANDING STUDENT POSTER (OSP) AWARD PROGRAM.
The Solar-Terrestrial Sciences (ST) Program Group takes part in the OSP program, whereby undergraduate and PhD students can register to have their posters take part. Abstract Submission Deadline: 09 January 2013. Full information on eligibility is at:
https://www.egu.eu/awards-medals/union-osp-award/
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS.
Support Application Deadline: 30 November 2012. Full information on eligibility is at:
http://www.egu2013.eu/support_and_distinction/financial_support.html
All the very best,
Claire Foullon
(OSP coordinator Solar-Terrestrial Sciences)
Norma B. Crosby
(Division President Solar-Terrestrial Sciences)
EGU2013 Meeting Web Site: http://egu2013.eu/
Solar-Terrestrial Sciences Division programme
http://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU2013/sessionprogramme/ST
http://egu2013.eu/
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St Andrews 600th Anniversary PhD scholarships
from uksp_sec [November 28, 2012]
The University of St Andrews was founded in 1413 making it Scotland’s first university and
the third oldest in the English-speaking world. Over the past six centuries it has established
a reputation as one of Europe’s leading and most distinctive centres for teaching and
research. This is an historic moment for the University as we look back on six centuries of
tradition and of belief in the value of people, ideas and excellence. It falls to the present
generation to preserve these values for the generations to come. As we stand on the
threshold of our seventh century, the University is to invest in the future of the next
generation of world-leading researchers by launching a new prestigious PhD scholarship
scheme. These anniversary scholarships are available from September 2013 and comprise
fees plus an annual stipend of up to £15,000 for three years. These scholarships are
available across all the disciplines in the Arts & Humanities, Sciences, and Medicine. Up to
100 anniversary scholarships are available.
The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic quality and research promise,
and are open to all to apply. General advice on how to apply for a PhD place and how to be
considered for an anniversary PhD scholarship can be sought from PG Admissions Office by
emailing [log in to unmask] Specific details on how to apply in a particular
discipline may be obtained via the Director of Postgraduates for each School.
Closing date 18th January 2013
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Post-doctoral scientist positions available at the Institute of Space Sciences, Shandong University, China
from Bo Li [November 27, 2012]
Post-doctoral scientist positions available at the Institute of Space Sciences, Shandong University, China
We cordially invite 3 highly-motivated postdoctoral scientists from outside China who obtained their PhD degrees within 3 years prior to employment in plasma physics, space physics/space weather studies, solar physics, computational fluid dynamics or related fields. The successful applicants are expected to have demonstrated skills in both conducting independent research and publishing in refereed journals.
The Institute of Space Sciences at Shandong University (ISS-SDU) has been involved in the nation’s space exploration programs, and conducting quality independent research since its establishment in 2008. Assisted by postgraduates and qualified supporting staff, we are a team of scientists working in space physics and space weather, observational astrophysics, planetary science, and nuclear astrophysics and cosmology. We are particularly interested in the fundamental space plasma physics as well as the initiation and evolution of catastrophic space weather events. We are also interested in studies related to space instrumentation.
The applicants are expected to work with,
1) Dr. Yao Chen ([log in to unmask]) on physical processes associated with solar eruptions. Of primary interests are coronal mass ejections, flares, and relevant processes including shocks, magnetic reconnection, particle acceleration, radio bursts, etc.
2) Dr. Bo Li ([log in to unmask]) on observational and numerical simulation studies of the solar corona and solar wind. Of primary interests are the solar wind heating, and the thermodynamics of CMEs.
3) Dr. Li-dong Xia ([log in to unmask]) on multi-wavelength observational studies of the fundamental processes in the solar atmosphere. Of particular interests are the physics of the solar transition region, and the origin of the solar wind.
The posts are available for a fixed term of two years with a possible 2-year extension depending on funding availability and performance, and can start as early as 1 May 2013. The annual salary is 20,000 to 25,000 US dollars, depending on qualification and experience. Each employed scientist will receive support to attend up to 3 international conferences during this two-year term. Accommodation will be provided free of charge (worth an additional 5000-US dollar value), which is in easy reach of recreational facilities, shopping plazas, the university campus, and the Weihai International Beach. The ISS is located in the scenic coastal city of Weihai, which with its considerably low living cost and wonderful beaches is considered one of the nation’s most desirable cities.
Applications will be considered from 1 Dec 2012 onwards. We will continue to accept applications until the positions are filled. Candidates should submit electronically a CV, a cover letter describing their research experience and interests, and two letters of reference, to one of the three prospective collaborators.
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Job Advert – Research Assistant/Associate – Geodynamo Modelling – Glasgow
from Radostin Simitev [November 24, 2012]
Research Assistant/Associate
University of Glasgow -School of Mathematics and Statistics
College of Science and Engineering
Ref: 002999
Salary: Grade 6/7, £26,004 – £29,249/£31,948 – £35,938 per annum.
To carry out full-time research on the project “Two-layer
thermo-compositional dynamo models of the geomagnetic field” funded by the
Leverhulme Trust, UK.
The research will involve a combination of simplified mathematical models
and high-resolution numerical simulations to study magnetic field
generation and spontaneous stratification due to double-diffusive
convection in the Earth’s fluid core. The research will require a solid
foundation in applied mathematics, in particular fluid mechanics and
magnetohydrodynamics, an interest in geophysics and experience in
numerical simulation including use of parallel architectures.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead the development
of the next generation of geodynamo models, to contribute to ongoing
scientific debates in geomagnetism, and to enhance
her/his research experience and publication record.
This position has funding for 3 years, up to 31 January 2016, in the first
instance.
The research project will be directed by Dr Radostin Simitev
([log in to unmask]) from whom further information can be obtained.
Apply online at:
http://www22.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_glasgow01.asp?newms=jj&id=60109&newlang=1
Closing date: 6 January 2013
http://www22.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_glasgow01.asp?newms=jj&id=60109&newlang=1
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PhD in Experimental High-Energy Heliophysics at ETH Zurich / FHNW
from Marina Battaglia [November 16, 2012]
The Institute for Particle Physics at ETH Zürich in collaboration with the Institute of 4D Technologies at the University of Applied Science Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) is looking for a PhD student in Heliophysics (the physics of the Sun and its environment). The thesis will provide access to a high profile hardware project in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) and give the opportunity to work on solar data from a cutting-edge X-ray observatory operated by NASA. The hardware task is within the STIX (Spectrometer/Telescope for Imaging X-rays) project, a hard X-ray imaging spectrometer onboard ESA’s Solar Orbiter mission to be launched in 2017. The science portion involves hard X-ray observations from the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), a NASA small explorer mission that was successfully launched on June 13, 2012. The 200-fold increase in sensitivity provided by NuSTAR will give paradigm-shifting insights into how the solar corona is heated.
The work will be evenly split between hardware and science tasks. The starting date is in 2013, and it will involve working at ETH Zürich, the Paul Scherrer Institute (Villingen), and the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Windisch. The thesis gives the opportunity to work in a dynamic international team on upcoming space instrumentation, and clearly outlines the path for a continuing career in Heliophysics. Candidates should have a M.Sc. Degree in Physics with an experimental background as well as a fascination for space hardware and astrophysics.
Please send your application including a CV and two letters of recommendation by email to:
Prof. Dr. S. Krucker, FHNW
[log in to unmask]
Prof. Dr. G. Dissertori, Institute for Particle Physics, ETHZ
[log in to unmask]
or contact [log in to unmask] for further information.
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Post Doctoral Research Assistant in Solar Imaging (SOLID PROJECT)
from Prof Rami Qahwaji [November 16, 2012]
The Centre for Visual Computing at the University of Bradford is looking for a Post Doctoral Research Assistant to support its EU FP7 funded project entitled “SOLID: First European Comprehensive SOLar Irradiance Data exploitation”.
A major objective of the SOLID effort is to analyse and merge the complete set of European irradiance data and images, complemented by archive data that include data from non-European missions. The research assistant will be working mainly on WP3: Multi-wavelength solar image processing for novel SSI proxies, which is led by Professor Rami Qahwaji.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the development of advanced and highly automated image processing and machine learning techniques for the large scale processing of various solar data sets to detect relevant solar structures that have specific contributions to the solar spectrum (e.g. sunspots, faculae, coronal holes, solar network, etc). These newly developed technologies will also be used to upgrade existing state-of-the-art technologies such as the Automated Solar Activity Prediction (ASAP) system developed by the University of Bradford (see http://spaceweather.inf.brad.ac.uk/ ). In addition, you will join the Centre for Visual Computing (CVC) and will be expected to become an active member in the CVC, and to interact with all researchers in a constructive, creative and professional manner.
Applicants for the post should have a good knowledge of C++ and Matlab programming and a proven research record, or show strong potential for research. They should possess a PhD in a relevant discipline (or be nearing completion) and should have excellent organisational and communication skills. Please see the following link for a full job description and specification of personal attributes: http://www.brad.ac.uk/human-resources/media/hr/allfiles/pdfs/RCI2100.pdf
The appointment will be made at Grade 7 (salary £27,578 – £30,122 per annum). This is a fixed term post for 30 months, and closing data for applications will be 5pm on 13th December 2012.
Informal enquiries prior to application may be made to Professor Rami Qahwaji on +44 (0)1274 236078 or to e-mail address [log in to unmask]
All applicants are required to complete a University of Bradford application form to apply for this post.
The University of Bradford operates an electronic application process, please see www.bradford.ac.uk/jobs to apply, (job reference REF: RCI2100).
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