PhD Studentship in Space Physics: The Dynamics of Coronal Mass Ejections between the Sun and the Earth

Supervisors: Prof Mathew Owens and Dr. Luke Barnard

Project overview: The solar wind is a continuous outflow of charged particles and magnetic field from the Sun’s upper atmosphere.  Variability in the solar wind conditions leads to space weather, which can adversely affect technological infrastructures, such as power grids and telecommunications networks, as well as the health of humans in space and on high-altitude flights.

The most severe space weather is driven by coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which propagate through the solar wind to reach Earth. The physics and dynamics of CMEs between the Sun and Earth are still poorly understood, mainly due to limited observations of any one event. This project will combine observations and models to determine the importance of different physical processes.

Informal enquiries to Prof. Mathew Owens

Eligibility: 

This project would be suitable for students with at least a 2:1 degree in physics, mathematics or a closely related environmental or physical science. Experience with the python programming language would be advantageous, but not essential.

Funding details:

• Starts September 2024
• 3 year award
• Funding covers full tuition fees plus UKRI stipend (£19,237 for the 2024/25 academic year)

How to apply:  

To apply click Apply for a Programme and create your account, and use the link sent by email to start the application process. During the application process please select the PhD in space physics, Department of Meteorology

*Important notes*

• Please quote the reference ‘DRC24-019’ in the ‘Scholarships applied for’ box which appears within the Funding Section of your on-line application.
• If the application system prompts you to submit a research proposal, please paste in the project title and move on to the next step in the application.

Application deadline: 17^th April 2024

Further enquiries: Mathew Owens

Please note that, where a candidate is successful in being awarded funding, this will be confirmed via a formal studentship award letter; this will be provided separately from any Offer of Admission and will be subject to standard checks for eligibility and other criteria. 

For further details please contact m.j.owens@reading.ac.uk

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