Duration
20h Th, 10h Pr
Number of credits
| Master in space sciences (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
By itself, the Sun forms an important domain in astrophysics because it is the only star observable in full detail, and also because the Sun continuously and directly influences the space environment throughout the solar system, and in particular the Earth.
The course starts with a presentation of the structure of the Sun, and in particular its atmosphere. The different layers of this atmosphere are successively reviewed, from the photosphere to the corona and the heliosphere. We focus on the differences in physical properties of the plasma and magnetic fields, and on the resulting differences in the radiative transfer, in the sources and dissipation of energy and in the structures.
We then turn solar activity by introducing the properties and physical mechanisms of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, the two main eruptive phenomena occurring on the Sun. We follow those phenomena from the triggering processes (magnetic reconnection) up to their propagation in the interplanetary medium (radiation and particles).
We also consider the long-term modulation of this activity by the 11-year solar cycle, including the recent concepts resulting from the modelization of the solar dynamo.
Finally, given the multiples impacts of solar activity on the terrestrial environment and on human activities, the last part synthesizes the solar input to the Earth (radiation spectrum, solar wind) and concludes on space weather, i.e. the final perturbations induced by solar activity on technologies (telecommunications, space systems, electrical power grids), as well as the long-term couplings (climate forcing).
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
This course provides an introduction to solar physics. Primarily by a phenomenological approach, it introduces the student to the various phenomena of solar activity and to Sun-Earth relations. After this course, the student will be able to read and understand the scientific literature on this subject, and to to understand the origin of solar phenomena that have a role in other scientific domains. Therefore, the notions developed in this cours are complementary to diverse orientations in this master: stellar astrophysics, planetary atmospheres and magnetospheres, space technologies.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Fundamental knowledge in mathematics, physics, classical mechanics, and by preference, notions of spectroscopy and radiative transfer. This course has no co-requisites.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
The theoretical course is normally given in 7 sessions of 3 hours. It is based on Powerpoint presentations, abundantly illustrated (mainly phenomenological approach) with graphics, images and movies.
Beside the theoretical course itself, the student is asked to prepare a personal work on a subject of his/her choice, with guidance from the teacher (synthesis or more in-depth treatment of topics introduced in the course, or solar subject linked to another research domain, with bibliographical search). This work leads to a personal written report and an oral presentation of about 10 min as part of the examination.
Depending on the number of participating students, a visit can also be organized to the Royal Observatory of Belgium, SIDC (Solar Influences Data analysis Center) and the Uccle solar observatory.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)
7 face-to-face courses of about 3 hours, during the second semester.
If the number of student is sufficient (more than two), the course is given in the campus in Liège. Otherwise, we require that the student comes to the Royal Observatory in Brussels.
Recommended or required readings
The Powerpoint slides that serve to illustrate the course are available for the students. They are comprehensive enough to serve as notes (figures, mathematical formulae, etc.)
The student can download the files from:
ftp://ftp-as.oma.be/dist/astro/Clette.F/CoursMasterULiege
Assessment methods and criteria
The oral examination includes two parts: for two thirds (~20 min), questions on the contents of the course to evaluate the knwoledge of key notions and the understanding of the subjects, and for one third (~10 min), an oral summary of the personal work, with questions from the teacher based on the written report delivered before the examination.
The answers and the personal work must demonstrate the good understanding of the solar physics concepts and a capacity to synthesize the state of the knowledge in the chosen domain.
The final rating consists in 50% for the personal work and 50% for the knowledge of the course.
Work placement(s)
Optional half-day visit, depending on the availability of students, to the Royal Observatory of Belgium, located in Brussels, for visiting the SIDC (Solar Influences Data analysis Center) and the Uccle solar observatory.
Organizational remarks
The course is normally only given on alternating years (2016-2017, 2018-2019).
In case a special schedule is prefered, the students registered for this course are invited to consult the other students and to contact the teacher as soon as possible at the beginning of the academic year, as the teacher must specially come from Brussels to give the course.
A subject for the personal work is chosen in April under guidance of the teacher. The report must be delivered at least one week before the examination, which typically takes place in the course of June.
Contacts
Frédéric Clette
Physique Solaire
Observatoire Royal de Belgique
3, avenue Circulaire
1180 Bruxelles
E-mail: frederic.clette@oma.be
Tél: 02/373.02.33
Fax: 02/374.98.22