MAGIC114: Solar Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and Structures of the Magnetic Field

Solar physics is a major application of the field of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The course introduces some key observations of the solar atmosphere and the main MHD equations. The simplified magnetohydrostatic (MHS) equilibria are used to obtain simple models of the solar magnetic field that can be used to represent stable structures in the observations.

The format will involve only 5 hours of MAGIC lectures most of which will be in the format of a practical or a tutorial. The (3) practicals let you explore the topics in interactive ways. They relate to the previous lectures and help you to assimilate the topics. The (2) tutorials will be based on two formative problem sheets.

Most of the new material will be presented as short video podcasts that will be linked from the MAGIC website. Hence you will not make much sense of the course if you only attend the timetable lectures – there are at least 5 more hours of lectures that you will need to study in your own time. 

Essential:
Vector Calculus
Differential Equations
Basic Fluid Mechanics/Dynamics 

Desirable/Complimentary:
Non-dimensionalisation / scaling analysis 
Electromagnetic equations  

1. Introduction to solar observations – Practical 1: Getting to know the Sun 
(1 Week)

2. Electromagnetic and Momentum Equations, MHD Equations – Problem Sheet 1: Mathematics Revisions 
(1 Week)

3. MHS equilibria, hydrostatic pressure balance, plasma beta, potential fields – Practical 2: Potential field 
(1 week)

4. Lorentz Force and Solar Structures
– Problem Sheet 2: Magnetic Field Lines 
– Practical 3: Prominences 
(2 weeks)