New Techniques for Magnetic Field Measurements in the Inner Heliosphere

About the role

The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.

Description

Research involves design studies and laboratory experiments to make the Faraday rotation technique usable in various space situations including multiple spacecraft transmitting and receiving in 1-au orbits around the Sun. Variability of the Sun-Earth system is mainly driven by solar magnetism. Currently, the distribution of solar magnetic field is routinely measured mainly in the photosphere and sometimes in the chromosphere. Solar eruptive events originate in the corona, where magnetic field measurements are rare that too close to the Sun. New techniques using shock stand-off distance and flux rope from eruption data (FRED) provide means of measuring magnetic field strength in the ambient medium and in coronal magnetic flux ropes, respectively. These techniques can be used to determine the magnetic fields typically in the coronagraphic field of view. At larger distances from the Sun, one has to use other techniques such as the Faraday rotation of spacecraft signals. Experimental research is being carried out to measure the magnetic field in the Sun-Earth connected space using the Faraday rotation. Given the enormous distances that the radio signals have to propagate (about 2 au), there are challenges in transmitting radio signals and receiving them in space.

Field of Science

Heliophysics Science

Advisors

Natchimuthuk Gopalswamy
natchimuthuk.gopalswamy-1@nasa.gov
(240) 393-8919

Eligibility

- U.S. Citizens;
- U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
- Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status;
- Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status

Qualifications

- Degree: Doctoral Degree.

Benefits

ORAU offers internships, fellowships, research opportunities, and contract positions that can provide you with invaluable experience. Download the ORAU Pathfinder mobile app and find the right opportunity to propel you along your career path!