Community, Partnerships, and Data Stewardship

New AI Based Methods for 3D Reconstruction of the Solar Photosphere

whawkins — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:16:55 +0000

New AI Based Methods for 3D Reconstruction of the Solar Photosphere whawkins Thu, 12/11/2025 - 15:16

Author:

whawkins

Dec 11, 2025

In a collaborative effort researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi Institute for Astronomy (IfA), the NSF funded National Solar Observatory and NSF NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory developed a new artificial intelligence based method to reconstruct the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere. The method uses a physics informed neural network to combine observations with physical constraints on the connectivity of magnetic fields to reconstruct a 3D volume of the solar atmosphere. The performance of the method was assessed with the help of synthetic data provided by the MURaM radiative MHD code, which is a joint development by NSF NCAR and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Germany.

UH press release

A deep learning framework for instrument-to-instrument translation of solar observation data

whawkins — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:39:28 +0000

A deep learning framework for instrument-to-instrument translation of solar observation data whawkins Tue, 05/06/2025 - 13:39

Author:

whawkins

May 6, 2025

Nature Communications: The constant improvement of astronomical instrumentation provides the foundation for scientific discoveries. In general, these improvements have only implications forward in time, while previous observations do not benefit from this trend, and the joint use of data sets from different instruments is typically limited by differences in calibration and quality.
Researches from the High Altitude Observatory (NSF NCAR; USA), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Graz (Austria), and Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech; Russia), recently developed a new deep learning framework for Instrument-To-Instrument translation of solar observation data, enabling homogenized data series across multi-instrument datasets. The approach uses unpaired domain translations with Generative Adversarial Networks, which eliminate the need for spatial or temporal overlap to relate instruments. The study demonstrates that the available data sets can directly profit from instrumental improvements, by applying the method to four different applications of ground- and space-based solar observations. The authors obtain a homogenized data series of 24 years of space-based observations of the solar EUV corona and line-of-sight magnetic field, solar full-disk observations with increased spatial resolution, real-time mitigation of atmospheric degradations in ground-based observations, and unsigned magnetic field estimates from the solar far-side based on EUV imagery. The direct comparison to simultaneous high-quality observations shows that the method produces images that are perceptually similar, and enables more homogeneous multi-instrument data sets without the requirement of spatial or temporal alignment.

Occasional overlapping observations between different instruments allow for direct comparison between AI-enhanced images and high-quality reference data. This figure presents side-by-side views of original space-based observations from SOHO/EIT, their AI-enhanced counterparts, and reference observations from SDO/AIA. The three rows highlight different solar features: the Extreme Ultraviolet observations of the solar limb (top), an active region (middle), and the magnetic field of a sunspot (bottom).

Jarolim et al., 2025

The results were published in Nature Communications (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58391-4).

Holly Gilbert awarded the 2025 Irene González Hernández Prize

whawkins — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:58:20 +0000

Holly Gilbert awarded the 2025 Irene González Hernández Prize whawkins Wed, 01/15/2025 - 08:58

Author:

whawkins

Jan 15, 2025

Holly Gilbert awarded the 2025 Irene González Hernández Prize

SPD Latest News website (https://spd.aas.org/)

As quoted from the SPD website announcement... "Dr. Holly R. Gilbert of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has been awarded the inaugural Irene González Hernández Prize, recognizing a mid-career scientist for transformative contributions to solar physics. Dr. Gilbert is honored for her research on solar prominences and their role in solar dynamics, as well as her leadership in setting scientific priorities and promoting diversity within the heliophysics community. Her visionary approach has catalyzed innovative research and advanced the development of cutting-edge instrumentation."

(see SPD Latest News)

A Magnetohydrodynamic Mechanism for the Formation of Solar Polar Vortices

whawkins — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:03:34 +0000

A Magnetohydrodynamic Mechanism for the Formation of Solar Polar Vortices whawkins Wed, 11/13/2024 - 09:03

Author:

whawkins

Nov 13, 2024

PNAS (Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences): Polar vortices are ubiquitous features of planetary atmospheric flows, from the Earth-like rocky planets to Jupiter- and Saturn-like gas giant planets. Very little is known about their existence or dynamics on the Sun. What should be expected near the Sun’s pole for the upcoming solar multi-viewpoint and polar missions? Here we report the first magnetohydrodynamic nonlinear simulations for the formation and evolution of solar polar vortices using a near-surface magnetohydrodynamic shallow-water model. Our findings indicate that the rush-to-the-poles, the migration of magnetic fields towards the pole following the Sun’s magnetic cycle, can positively contribute to the formation of polar vortices. The mechanism proposed here for the formation of polar vortices is the first one to involve the role of magnetic fields and may be relevant to any star with a magnetic cycle. The Sun’s polar vortices resulting from this mechanism are predominantly magnetohydrodynamic, consisting of a tight pair of cyclonic and anticyclonic swirls. This mechanism is likely to operate during all solar cycle phases except the peak, when the polar field reverses. Polar vortices can impact dynamical evolution of global flows and polar fields, which seed the next activity cycle, hence better knowledge of physics of polar regions may lead to improved solar cycle and space weather forecasts. See: NSF-NCAR news website.

Simulations of magnetohydrodynamically governed polar vortices for a 30-degree inclined view (left) and for a polar view (right). Magnetohydrodynamic simulations show that the initial mid-latitude perturbations tend to drift and cluster around the forming multiple complex cyclonic and anticyclonic swirls. Following the polar rush, these swirls ultimately lead to an evolved configuration consisting of a pair of tight swirls with m=1 pattern.

Chasing the IR Corona through Solar Eclipse Experiments

whawkins — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 19:21:26 +0000

Chasing the IR Corona through Solar Eclipse Experiments whawkins Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:21

Author:

whawkins

Apr 16, 2024

Composite image of the eclipse as seen from Dardanelle, AR. A narrow H-alpha filter was used to capture the emission of the solar disk during the partial phases of the eclipse, while the totality phase was captured in white light emission.

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, was a great opportunity for the team of HAO, NSO, and NOAA scientists and collaborators to travel to a location on the totality path with the goal of running unique science experiments. Using additional telescopes, binoculars, and outreach materials, we were able to capture the eclipse throughout its phases and share our passion with a very excited local crowd.

Two eclipse science experimental setups were designed and built by our team at the HAO facility and tuned to observe the infrared solar corona during the totality phase of the eclipse: the Coronal HElium Emission Spectrograph Experiment (CHEESE) led by HAO’s Momchil Molnar and FeSun (read Iron Sun) led by NSO's Alin Paraschiv. CHEESE is a high-resolution spectrograph and FeSun is a coronagraphic filter imager designed to build a mosaic of the corona. We hope to reveal new and exciting science using emission lines of Iron and Helium that form in the infrared range of the light spectrum.

The two eclipse experiments are assembled and waiting for final adjustments.

The eclipse team consisted of Momchil Molnar, Alin Paraschiv (NSO), Maurice Wilson, David Afonso Delgado, Gabriel Dima (NOAA), Daniela Lacatus, Paul Bryans, and Kalista Tyson (student). The whole expedition was a huge adventure for our team, and after some rollercoaster moments, we successfully achieved perfect weather conditions through the entire eclipse; considering what we went through, this was no small feat! (Now that the expedition is over we begin the long task of analyzing and interpreting our infrared science data to uncover new coronal insights.)

Fredericksburg, TX, was our initial and carefully chosen location. Unfortunately, after a 10-hour drive there, we understood our eclipse viewing chances were extremely slim due to overcast skies. Suddenly we were scrambling to find a better location; we decided to drive northeast another 10 hours to Dardanelle, AR. The extra day of driving was a hardship and we missed a night of testing. Sadly, we left Paul behind because he was meeting his family in Texas. Happily, our change of location to Arkansas was a great success as the weather was lovely, with clear skies throughout the eclipse!

On Sunday morning, before the Monday eclipse, Alin and Momo (experiment leads) finally started assembling the experiments. In utter horror they realized that we were missing one of four boxes containing the crucial mount heads for both experiments. This became a joke of how many PhDs does it take to account for four boxes and load those boxes into cars.

Luckily, Kalista Tyson (former REU student and HAO visitor), came to our rescue with a special delivery, arriving at our location in Arkansas on Monday at 4am, with the "invisible at departure box." With sleep deprived eyes, we rushed to assemble the experiments and do as much of the alignment and testing in a few hours, instead of the planned preparation time of two days and two nights. In addition, we had to address some issues that were not completely ironed out, especially given the change in location. Despite it all, the experiments executed their observation sequences, and data was acquired.

The experiments PIs doing final adjustments to the instruments as the eclipse approaches the totality phase. (P.S. ‘Bene Gesserit’ infiltrators were on site if you look carefully!)

We also had a telescope dedicated to capturing the solar disk in H-alpha emission throughout the eclipse phases. The composite image above illustrates the capture results beautifully. An additional telescope plus two pairs of binoculars were available to provide the public with a closer view of the eclipse progression and enabled them to photograph the solar disk being gradually obscured.

In addition to the science experiments, we also had a telescope and binoculars available for the public, as well as a booth where we shared cool science tidbits and answered questions.

At the outreach booth we provided materials on eclipses, the sun, its structure and phenomena, plus its influence on the solar system. We also introduced the pinhole concept for safe eclipse viewing. The public was excited to have “real scientists doing science” in a backyard, small-town setting where they were comfortable interacting and asking questions. We were energized by their science queries and curiosities about the broader impact of our work and science in general.

Moments before totality, everyone was getting ready to enjoy the astronomical show and/or watch the excitable scientists acquire their data.

Once the eclipse ended, we rushed to pack up everything because a storm front was arriving with intense rain and winds. While some of us began driving back that evening, other team members stayed another night. Due to heavy rains, they became stuck in the mud and had to be pulled out by a tractor the following morning. The first group arrived back to Boulder on Tuesday near midnight, while the campervan group arrived after 4am on Wednesday morning.

The enormous effort that went into preparing the experiments and the actual expedition was definitely worth it. We learned a lot by building and deploying the experiments in the eclipse path, and in spite of some setbacks, both experiments ran successfully and data was acquired! In addition, we got to experience a unique astronomical event, share our passion for science and solar physics in particular, and hopefully make a lasting impression on our public audience.

We want to emphasize once again our immense gratitude to Kalista for dropping everything without a second thought and driving to our rescue! Without her swift intervention, all the effort invested in preparing the experiments would have been futile!

Furthermore, we are grateful to Skylar Shaver and the Ring family for graciously hosting us on their property in Dardanelle, Arkansas, on very short notice. Because of their generosity and in spite of the impromptu change in location, we were able to set up our experiments and our outreach booth. Best of all, we ended the day sharing the total eclipse experience with ~80 people and 8 dogs.

We want to thank everyone who made this expedition possible: members, mentors, institutions, friends and family! We are grateful to Paul Bryans and Sheryl Shapiro for their work on coordinating the logistics and making sure this adventure could happen (plus Paul’s sacrifice during the trip). We are also grateful to Roberto Casini, Matthias Rempel, Ben Berkey, Alfred de Wijn, Phil Judge, Kevin Reardon (NSO), and Tom Schad (NSO) for their guidance, support and insights on how to run eclipse experiments, things to consider, and for giving us a hand when we inadvertently got stuck. And last but not least, we want to thank Holly Gilbert for ensuring this effort had adequate resources, without which nothing would have been possible.

Story by Daniela Lacatus, edited by Wendy Hawkins

Annular Eclipse Expedition at Hovenweep

whawkins — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 21:53:04 +0000

Annular Eclipse Expedition at Hovenweep whawkins Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:53

Author:

whawkins

Nov 3, 2023

The logo that represents all the institutions that made the annular eclipse expedition possible superimposed over the eclipse maxima image.

On 14 October 2023, a captivating annular eclipse graced the skies from Oregon to Texas in the U.S. It was a privilege to not only witness this celestial spectacle but also engage with a curious audience that included a team of solar physicists from both the High Altitude Observatory at NCAR and the National Solar Observatory. Visiting students and/or voluntary collaborators were also among the spectators.

Sunrise and over-imposed eclipse evolution at Hovenweep National Monument in Utah.

Han Uitenbroek

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, but the Moon is too far from Earth to block out the Sun entirely. Instead of a total eclipse, a ring of sunlight is illuminated around the Moon, creating the infamous "Ring of Fire".

Our expedition led us to the historic Hovenweep National Monument in Utah, where, around well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins, we had the opportunity of sharing insights about the Sun! The NPS estimated that over 600 visitors were on site. Favorable weather allowed attendees to experience this remarkable event through an array of telescopes, binoculars, and eclipse glasses.

Photo of the annular eclipse maxima from the eclipse expedition, Hovenweep National Monument.

Han Uitenbroek

Using a colander to create pinhole projections onto paper.

With materials provided by the NASA PUNCH outreach team for the Small Explorer mission, we engaged the public with various activities touching not only on the eclipse science, but also on relevant cultural and historical aspects related to how humans have perceived solar eclipses and other Solar phenomena throughout the centuries, as depicted in paintings, drawings, and petroglyphs.

Some of the images below offer a glimpse into the fascinating natural optical phenomenon of pinhole projection. They illustrate how differently-shaped holes on objects produce shadows that mirror the contour of the light source. This effect becomes especially apparent during an eclipse, resulting in crescents or rings forming within the shadowed area.

Photo collage of observation deck visitors at the annular eclipse expedition, Hovenweep National Monument, UT.

Additionally, our team offered evening astronomy sessions that allowed attendees to explore the beautiful dark skies of Hovenweep. They had the chance to marvel at Saturn's rings, observe the distinctive cloud patterns and moons of Jupiter, witness the splendour of the Andromeda Galaxy, and an array of distant globular clusters and nebulae, providing a rich experience of the wonders above.

Photo collage of outreach table activities at the annular eclipse expedition, Hovenweep National Monument, Utah.

This annular solar eclipse was truly a sight to see, and yet 2024 will provide an even more rare opportunity of a total solar eclipse over the U.S./Canada on April 8th.

We express our gratitude to all attendees for their active participation, to the dedicated team for their unwavering commitment, to the National Parks Service team and to the supporting institutions.

An abundance of stars at Hovenweep National Monument taken during the annular eclipse expedition.

Teams included:

NSO: Alin Paraschiv, Han Uitenbroek
NCAR HAO: Matthias Rempel, Daniela Lacatus, Maurice Wilson, Benoit Tremblay
Students and/or collaborators: Aatiya Ali, Kalista Tyson, Vanessa Mercea, Aidan Halpin

Community, Partnerships, and Data Stewardship

New AI Based Methods for 3D Reconstruction of the Solar Photosphere

Recent News

A deep learning framework for instrument-to-instrument translation of solar observation data

Recent News

Holly Gilbert awarded the 2025 Irene González Hernández Prize

Recent News

A Magnetohydrodynamic Mechanism for the Formation of Solar Polar Vortices

Recent News

Chasing the IR Corona through Solar Eclipse Experiments

Recent News

Annular Eclipse Expedition at Hovenweep

Recent News