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UT’s College of Natural Sciences recently announced the winners of its annual awards. visualization science contestcelebrate the images taken by participants.
This year, physics graduate student Maile Marriott won the top prize for her image of “space weather” caused by the sun. According to the University of Natural Sciences, “space weather” occurs when solar wind blows outward from the sun and impacts satellites, space missions, and Earth’s atmosphere. press release.
Marriott’s work models a “switchback,” a solar wind phenomenon in which magnetic field lines reverse direction. Because wind is made of plasma, it flows along curved lines because it is attracted to the field by electrical charges. Marriott said he created this work by fusing electromagnetic and hydrodynamic equations. She then used her computer program to solve equations that helped her understand the evolution of the sun’s plasma.
“Often people study waves inside a box, but it’s just a uniform wave that fills the entire box,” Marriott says. “My research has looked at what the localization of waves inside a box does and how that ultimately affects physics. Because at least we can model it Because when that happens, it’s actually very important.”
Marriott said the total solar eclipse on April 8 allowed solar physicists to collect data useful for research. He said that because the corona (the outer edge of the sun) can be observed during an eclipse, researchers can see if a “switchback” is forming there.
Anna Tenelani, assistant professor of space plasma physics, oversees Marriott’s graduate research and previously helped lead her project. She said Marriott is very independent and keen on research.
“I was very happy and excited (when Marriott won),” Tenelani said. “Obviously I’m happy for her and it was a great reward to be able to see her girlfriend showcase her own research.”
Steve Franklin, a communications expert and contest committee member, said the contest seeks to include all types of scientific research.
“(The competition) is about introducing science in a way that energizes people,” Franklin said. “There are a lot of great images in there that really draw you in and make you ask questions and have fun with science.”
Marriott’s work and all other contestants’ works are 3D virtual gallery.
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