Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares

PROJECT

Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares (STEF)

Project title: Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares/Vairāku viļņu garuma kvaziperiodisku pulsāciju pētījums Saules un zvaigžņu uzliesmojumos


Project No.: lzp-2022/1-0017


Project acronym: STEF

Project logo: 



Funder: Latvian Science Council, Fundamental and Applied Research Projects

Project submitter: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS)

Project scientific supervisor: VUAS leading guest researcher Valeri Nakariakov

Duration: 01.01.2023. – 31.12.2025. (36 months, 3 reference periods)


Brief Qualitative Description and Aim of the Project:


Nowadays, research into the impact of space weather on the near-Earth environment, climate change, technology and other diverse aspects of modern human life is becoming increasingly important. Solar flares , which release coronal magnetic field energy, and coronal mass ejections are the major drivers of space weather and therefore have the most severe effects on the Earth's magnetosphere and near-Earth environment. It is evident that similar flare activity occurs on other solar-type stars, in the form of much more powerful superflares.


The project’s research programme focuses on a comprehensive  multi-wavelength comparative observational study of the phenomenon of quasi-periodic pulsations (QPP), as signatures of oscillatory plasma dynamics, in the radio emission produced by solar flares and stellar superflares with the observational facilities at the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC), Irbene, Latvia, in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. The key aim is to establish a robust methodology for observing solar flares and stellar superflares in the radio band at VIRAC, reveal differences and similarities in the radio emission mechanisms of solar and stellar flares, and of characteristic properties of QPPs, and seed the ground for future follow up studies of solar and stellar flares in collaboration with radio observatories worldwide. Radioastronomical observations will be carried out in both polarisations in the 4.5-8.8 GHz band corresponding to the typical gyrosynchrotron emission in the solar corona, with Irbene radiotelescopes RT-32 and RT-16 in both single dish and interferometer modes. The stellar objects of interest are highly active flaring red dwarfs. The detection and analysis of QPP in light curves will be carried out with the use of the combination of traditional and innovative time-series analysis techniques, such as wavelets and Empirical Mode Decomposition. The expertise in the background theory and original approaches to data analysis is provided by the UK participants. The forward modelling of expected observables will be performed with the use of existing and well-tested numerical codes.


Key project tasks:

  • To use two radio telescopes, RT-16 and RT-32, situated in Irbene, Latvia for employing a single-baseline interferometer capable of conducting an internationally competitive  research programme in the field of solar and stellar flares in the radio band.
  • To create and optimize a data analysis toolkit for the assessment of flare light curves and spectra and detection of QPP events, based on the data analysis routines previously designed/used by team members.
  • To reveal differences and similarities between characteristic properties of solar and stellar flares and QPP events in them, using case study analysis and comprehensive statistical surveys.
  • Broadly disseminate project results in the form of peer-reviewed publications in prestigious scientific journals, presentations at international and domestic conferences, running an annual international workshop on the topic of the project, public talks, and a science-popular article. 
  • Work with young scholars and students in the VIZIUM science and innovation Centre (Ventspils, Latvia). 


Project results:

The expected project results will allow us to develop a unique research cluster at VIRAC, capable of performing observational and data analysis studies of solar flares and stellar superflares, at the level competitive with and/or supplementing the existing radio-band facilities. As a particular phenomenon of interest, intrinsic for both solar and stellar flare emissions, characteristic properties of QPP in the radio band will be revealed and used for establishing differences and similarities between physical mechanisms of solar flares and stellar superflares.

 

Scientific Results:

  • Methodology of solar flare observations with a single dish on VIRAC radio telescope RT-32, (LNSP4) and in Sun-as-a-Star mode (L band).
  •  Methodology of stellar flare observations with a Irbene interferometer (RT-32 and RT-16, 4.5-8.8 GHZ band).
  • Open access online catalogue of multiwavelength observations of solar and stellar flares.
  • Radio-band QPP data analysis toolkit.
  •  Similarities and differences of radioemission of solar and stellar flares and of characteristic properties of QPPs.

Impact to society:

  • Increasing public awareness of modern problems of space weather, solar flares and stellar superflares, and associated risks for our civilization. 
  • The promotion of STEM and enhancing interest in astronomy and radio systems.
  • Development of technologies and data processing methods which could be effectively transferred from radio astronomy, interferometry and space weather applications to other branches of modern applied science.
  • Promotion of VIRAC as a globally recognised astronomical facility.


Our project will deliver:

  • 9  Peer-reviewed scientific publications and 1 science-popular article.
  • 12 Contributions at conferences.
  • 3 Press releases. 
  • 3 Annual online international workshops hosted by VIRAC.



Project funding: 300 000.00 EUR

Contacts:

Project PI  – Prof Valeri Nakariakov, V.Nakariakov@warwick.ac.uk

Project researcher - MSc Vladislavs Bezrukovs, vladislavs.bezrukovs@venta.lv 

Project coordinator for administrative matters - until 01.03.2024. Ieva Kozlova, ieva.kozlova@venta.lv

     from 01.03.2024. Linda Ūdre, linda.udre@venta.lv


Project News

By Rota Rulle July 24, 2024
For the third year, researchers from the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) of the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) together with Bulgarian and Ukrainian colleagues are organising the scientific workshop "Bulgarian-Latvian-Ukrainian Initiative for Space Weather Research" in Primorsko, Bulgaria. In early June this year, researchers from VIRAC participated in the international scientific conference "Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, 16th Workshop 2024". Within the framework of the conference, VIRAC together with the Institute of Space Research and Technology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences organised a scientific workshop "Bulgaria-Latvia-Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations (BLU 2024)", which took place from 3 to 7 June. Both events took place in Primorsko, Bulgaria. The main topics of the conference and workshop were: Sun and Solar Activity; Solar wind, magnetospheric and ionospheric interactions; Solar influence on the lower atmosphere and climate; Solar influence on the biosphere and lithosphere; Space weather instruments; Data processing and modelling. During the conference, collaboration with colleagues from the Institute of Space Research and Technology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, on space weather and space climate topics was promoted. Dmitrijs Kolotkovs represented VUAS at the conference, presenting an oral report "Multi-wavelength quasi-periodic pulsations as a new proxy of electric current systems in stellar flares". The abstract is available in the Conference Book of Abstracts, DOI: 10.31401/WSoz.2024.abs. The BLU 2024 workshop was attended by Vladislavs Bezrukovs from VIRAC with "Advancements and scientific Endeavors at VSRC: latest developments and research activities", Janis Steinberg "Progress of VIRAC team using LOFAR station LV614" and Dmitrijs Bezrukovs "Microwave observations of the Sun in Irbene STEF project". Workshop programme and presentations are available at: Initiative for Space Weather Investigations 2024. In recent years, the VIRAC team has gained considerable experience in making microwave observations of the Sun and is now able to make regular spectral polarimetric observations of the entire solar disk and selected active regions. Microwave emission is observed with the RT-32 radio telescope equipped with a multi-channel (12 frequency channels) spectral polarimeter in the 2.1-7.4 cm wavelength range and with both circular polarizations. Spectral observations of polarised solar microwave emission allow direct measurements of plasma parameters and magnetic field inductions in the upper chromosphere and lower corona at different altitudes. Current solar microwave observations could thus be used to investigate some of the challenges of space weathering. The conference and the scientific seminar papers are devoted to some technical and methodological issues of solar observations, which are actively pursued by the VIRAC. The presentations also addressed possible solar physics problems that could be investigated on the basis of microwave spectral polarimetry observations. The possibility of studying coronal holes and coronal hole-like regions ("dark coronal corridors", "coronal partings", "s-web") associated with local open magnetic fields that could be considered as sources of slow solar winds is also discussed, as well as the analysis of microwave flux variations in active regions before solar flares. More information about the conference and the scientific workshop is available on the websites listed below: https://spaceclimate.bas.bg/ws-sozopol/ https://en.venta.lv/initiative-for-space-weather-investigations-2024  These activities were part of the project "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares" (STEF), No. lzp-2022/1-0017 and were funded by the project.
By Rota Rulle May 20, 2024
Workshop of the Bulgaria- Latvia- Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations June 3-7, 2024 Primorsko, Bulgaria Main topics: Key areas of research on space weather in the organizations; Solar flare investigations; Discussion of joint projects; Regional, European and international programs on Sun and space weather research and applications; About assisting Ukraine in the restoration of the scientific and technical research potential; Organizational matters. For more information: Vladislavs Bezrukovs (VIRAC, Latvia) vladislavsb@venta.lv Project No. lzp-2022/1-0017. Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares.
By Rota Rulle May 15, 2024
On 9 May 2024, the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre (VIRAC) hosted a seminar "Microwave Solar Observations within the STEF Project" at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences ( VUAS), where D. Bezrukov and V. Bezrukov gave speech. Project No. lzp-2022/1-0017 "Study of multi-wavelength quasiperiodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares" (STEF) is supported by the Latvian Council of Science (LSC) and covers various activities in the study of solar and stellar flares and their possible prediction. One of them is the preparation and implementation of microwave observations of the Sun and solar active regions with the RT-32 radio telescope in Irbene. In the ideology of the project, observations of the Sun could be considered as observations of a star ("Sun as a star") and the results could be compared with a whole range of stars. Solar flares are one of the causes of the known negative effects on Earth and all aspects of human life. In this field, the study and prediction of solar activity, flares and cosmic weather patterns is of great importance, and is growing every year. The observation and analysis of polarised microwave radiation from the Sun provides unique opportunities to measure and study the induction of magnetic fields and plasma parameters in the solar corona at different altitudes above the photosphere. Solar observations are currently carried out in Irbene with the RT-32 radio telescope equipped with a multichannel spectropolarimeter. The spectropolarimeter is designed to receive and measure microwave fluxes in both circular polarisations in 12 frequency channels simultaneously, covering the 4.1-14.1 GHz (2.3-7.5 cm wavelengths) range. The spectropolarimeter is integrated with a data acquisition system, a time service and an antenna guidance system to perform the observations automatically. A standard procedure for solar observations and data processing provides information on the intensity and degree of polarisation of microwave radiation over the solar disk, allowing the construction of two-dimensional maps of the Sun. The report revealed new observations of active regions of polarised microwave radiation associated with detected solar flares. Presentation available HERE
By Rota Rulle June 19, 2023
From June 5 to June 9, 2023, researchers from the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (VUAS VIRAC) participated in the international scientific conference “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, 15th Workshop 2023” and the 2nd workshop “Bulgaria - Latvia - Ukraine Initiative for Space Weather Investigations,” organized by VIRAC in collaboration with the Institute of Space Research and Technology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Radio Astronomy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Both events took place in Primorsko, Bulgaria. The conference and workshop addressed the following topics: The Sun and solar activity, the interaction of solar wind, magnetosphere, and ionosphere, and the impact of solar activity on the lower atmosphere and climate. The influence of the Sun on the biosphere and lithosphere. Instruments for observing space weather. Data processing and modeling. The themes of the conference were closely related to the project implemented by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, “Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares” (STEF), No. lzp-2022/1-0017. During the conference and workshop, researchers from VIRAC presented their papers: Bezrukovs D. and Bezrukovs V. “Microwave Observations of the Sun in VIRAC,” D. Kolotkov D. “Non-adiabatic Coronal Seismology,” and Ryabov M.I., Sukharev A.L., Sobitnyak L.I., Komendant V.G., Bezrukovs V., Šteinbergs J., Skirmante K., Orlyuk M.I., Romenets A.O. “Application of Power Space Radio Sources Observations and Magnetometer Measurements to Study the Global and Regional Response of Extreme States of the Sun-Interplanetary Environment-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere System.” The summaries of the “Solar Influences on the Magnetosphere, Ionosphere and Atmosphere, 15th Workshop 2023” conference were published in the conference proceedings. In recent years, VIRAC researchers have gained significant experience in conducting solar microwave observations and are now capable of performing regular spectral polarimetric observations of the entire solar disk and individual active regions. Microwave emissions are observed using the RT-32 radio telescope, equipped with a multichannel (12 frequency channels) spectral polarimeter operating in the 2.1–7.4 cm wavelength range and both circular polarizations. Spectral observations of polarized solar microwave emissions enable direct measurements of plasma parameters and magnetic field induction in the upper chromosphere and lower corona at various heights. Consequently, current solar microwave observations could be utilized for research tasks related to space weather phenomena. The presentation addressed various technical and methodological issues concerning solar observations carried out by VIRAC. Potential solar physics problems that could be investigated based on microwave spectral polarimetry observations were also discussed. Additionally, the possibility of studying coronal holes and coronal hole-like regions (such as “dark coronal corridors,” “coronal partings,” and “s-web”) associated with locally open magnetic fields, which could be considered sources of slow solar wind, was examined, along with the analysis of microwave flux variations in active regions prior to solar flares. More information about the conference and workshop is available at the following websites: Conference Website Initiative for Space Weather Investigations In addition to the aforementioned information, during the BLU workshop and meeting, participants proposed to formalize international cooperation and establish a memorandum between the four institutions: Institute of Space Research and Technology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center," Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Institute of Radio Astronomy, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Institute of Geophysics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine The memorandum is currently in the process of being developed. These activities were carried out within the framework of the project “Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares” (STEF), No. lzp-2022/1-0017, and were funded from the project resources.
By Rota Rulle June 5, 2023
From May 29 to June 1, 2023, Jānis Šteinbergs, a scientific assistant at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (VUAS VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, was in Rome, Italy, to participate in the "PITHIA-NRF" training school ("First Training School of the Plasmasphere Ionosphere Thermosphere Integrated Research Environment and Access services: a Network of Research Facilities PITHIA-NRF"). The "PITHIA-NRF" training school offered: Lectures on the physical mechanisms operating in the Earth's ionosphere, thermosphere, and plasmasphere, as well as related parts of the Sun-Earth system. Courses on the main scientific models registered in the PITHIA-NRF e-Science Center. Practical sessions on using the PITHIA-NRF e-Science Center for data acquisition and employing its tools for integrating datasets and models. More information about the school is available here: PITHIA-NRF Training School . During the event, Jānis Šteinbergs participated in training sessions featuring several presentations on ionospheric and thermospheric physics. This topic is closely related to the project "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares" (STEF), No. lzp-2022/1-0017. Additionally, the training included discussions on collaboration in ionospheric research using VIRAC infrastructure and future development ideas. Moreover, discussions were held about cooperation in preparing new project proposals and establishing new contacts. The knowledge gained at the "PITHIA-NRF" training school will be applied in implementing the STEF project.
By Rota Rulle January 20, 2023
The project proposals prepared by the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (ERI VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences for the Latvian Science Council (LZP) grant competition, project No. lzp-2022/1-0083 "A single-baseline radio interferometer in a new age of transient astrophysics" and project No. lzp-2022/1-0017 "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares," were highly evaluated and financially supported by the LZP's decisions on December 20, 2022. Both projects are being implemented by the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" (ERI VIRAC) of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Project No. lzp-2022/1-0083 "A single-baseline radio interferometer in a new age of transient astrophysics" is intended as a fundamental research study aimed at creating the Irbene single-baseline radio interferometer (ISBI), which will be capable of detecting radio emission fluctuations related to high-mass star formation regions. The developed ISBI will be used to observe the continuum emission of high-mass protostars and maser emission lines. The obtained results will help choose between currently untested and competing theoretical scenarios proposed to explain the recently discovered variability of radio radiation observed in high-mass star formation regions. During the implementation of the project, it is planned to deepen the understanding of the eruption formation process, which is believed to follow flares during which high-mass stars accumulate mass. High-cadence observations using the Irbene interferometric system will be organized to study these processes. The project includes the following tasks: Expand the existing capabilities of the Ventspils radio observatory by using two radio telescopes (32m and 16m in diameter) in a unified system as an interferometer. Improve and automate the planning of astronomical observations and processes related to the acquisition and analysis of astronomical data. Create a list of approximately 30 high-mass protostars whose radio signal emissions will be simultaneously monitored at 6.7 GHz methanol maser lines and radio C bands. Interpret astronomical data by studying the processes of high-mass star formation and development, thereby understanding the formation of massive stars. Organize public lectures and informative events, and publish the achieved results in scientific conferences and leading astronomy journals. The results obtained during the project implementation will provide answers to unanswered questions about the processes of high-mass star formation. Additionally, the project team aims to deepen the understanding of the eruption formation process, which is believed to follow flares during which high-mass stars accumulate mass. High-cadence observations using the Irbene interferometric system will be organized to study these processes. Such observations require a combination of effective and specific functional technologies, which are not easy to develop nowadays. The unique advantages of the Irbene interferometer provide an opportunity to research short-term variable astrophysical processes. The project activities are planned to be implemented from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. The total project funding is 300,000.00 euros, and the scientific leader of the project is Ross Alexander Burns, a leading guest researcher at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. Project No. lzp-2022/1-0017 "Multi-Wavelength Study of Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares" is intended as a fundamental research study with the main goals of: Using VSRC instruments to establish a reliable and systematic observation system for solar flares and stellar super-flares; Discovering similarities and differences between the radio emission mechanisms of solar and stellar flares and their quasi-periodic pulsation characteristics; Laying the groundwork for future research in collaboration with radio observatories worldwide. The research program of the project focuses on the extensive study of the quasi-periodic pulsation (QPP) phenomenon (as an indicator of plasma oscillation dynamics) in solar flares and stellar super-flares. Multi-frequency radio astronomical observations are planned in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Warwick (United Kingdom), using the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center (VIRAC) complex in Irbene. The research will focus not only on solar flares but also on widely distributed and actively flaring red dwarf stars. QPP detection and analysis in light curves will be performed by combining traditional and innovative data analysis methods, such as wavelet and empirical mode decomposition analysis. Participants from the United Kingdom, with extensive experience in coronal process research, will provide process modeling and lead data analysis. The project includes the following tasks: Establish a single-baseline interferometer (using both Irbene radio telescopes RT-16 and RT-32) to conduct a research program on solar and stellar flare observations in the radio frequency band. Create and optimize a set of data analysis tools to describe flare light curves and spectra, and to detect QPP events. Discover similarities and differences between solar and stellar flares in their QPP characteristics, and create a comprehensive statistical overview of flares. Present scientific results by publishing them in prestigious, peer-reviewed scientific journals, giving presentations at international and local conferences, holding an annual international seminar on the project topic, participating in public lectures, and preparing a popular science article. Conduct educational work with school students and university students at the VIZIUM Science and Innovation Center (in Ventspils, Latvia). The expected results during the project implementation will enable VIRAC to establish a unique research cluster capable of conducting world-class solar flare and stellar super-flare observations and data analysis, complementing the capabilities of the world's leading solar research institutes. A particularly interesting and notable phenomenon characteristic of both solar and stellar flares is QPP in the radio frequency bands, which will be used to identify similarities and differences between solar flares and stellar super-flares, as well as their physical mechanisms. The project activities are planned to be implemented from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. The total project funding is 300,000.00 euros, and the scientific leader of the project is Valeri Nakariakov, a leading guest researcher at the Engineering Research Institute "Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Center" of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.
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