Unveiling the Sun: Exploring the Wonders of Solar Astrophysics

Oct 31, 2023 - 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location

Hewlett Teaching Center, Room 200 and online - Register here

KIPAC Public Lectures
Speaker
Dr. Sushant Mahajan (KIPAC/Stanford)

Solar_Physics_Lecture_Poster

In this lecture, we will together embark on an adventure to uncover the enigmatic and awe-inspiring secrets of the Sun through the lens of solar astrophysics. Specifically, I will be discussing how cutting-edge research and innovative technology allow us to peer deep into the Sun’s interior to gaze at the intricacies of complex interactions between plasma flows and magnetic fields and explore its profound influence on our interplanetary environment. Through stunning visuals from high quality data, numerical simulations leveraging supercomputers, and insights gained from machine learning, I will demystify the science behind solar phenomena and discuss the current challenges in predicting the Sun’s behavior.

Sushant Mahajan

About the Speaker

Dr. Sushant Mahajan is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Solar Group at Stanford University. Sushant got his PhD from Georgia State University primarily studying solar dynamo, the physical process that generates the Sun's magnetic field, which leads to the formation of sunspots and solar flares. Before joining Stanford, he was a postdoctoral fellow at University of Hawaii. In addition to research, Sushant is very passionate about public outreach and enjoys sharing his love for the Sun and raising awareness of how the Sun's behavior impacts our lives on Earth.

Directions and Parking

This event will take place in the Hewlett Teaching Center (370 Jane Stanford Way) on the Stanford campus. Upon arrival, please check in in the foyer of the building and follow signs for Room 200.

The closest visitor parking is in the Via Ortega Garage and along the Stanford Oval. All parking is free in spaces marked Visitor, A, or C after 4pm unless indicated otherwise. Accessible parking is also available along the Stanford Oval.

If you plan to take public transportation, some lines of the Marguerite Shuttle connect between the Palo Alto Transit Center and the campus. You can get to the Hewlett Teaching Center by taking Line P (drops off at the Stanford Oval), Line X (drops off at the ChEM-H Building on Jane Stanford Way), and Line Y (picks up across from the ChEM-H Building on Jane Stanford Way). A complete list of shuttle schedules and route maps can be found here.