The College of Natural Sciences at UT recently held its annual Visualizing Science contest, which celebrates images captured by participants. This year’s top prize went to Maile Marriott, a physics graduate student, for her depiction of the “space weather” caused by the sun. According to a press release from the College of Natural Sciences, space weather occurs when solar wind emanates from the sun and impacts satellites, space missions, and Earth’s atmosphere.
Marriott’s winning piece showcases a “switchback,” a phenomenon in the solar wind where magnetic field lines reverse direction. She created the image by combining electromagnetic equations with fluid dynamic equations and then using computer programs to solve them. This process helped her gain a better understanding of the sun’s plasma evolution. Marriott explained that her research focuses on the effects of localizing waves in physics, particularly in a box, which can have significant implications on the overall physics of the system.
The recent total solar eclipse on April 8 provided heliophysicists with valuable data that will inform Marriott’s research. By observing the corona during the eclipse, researchers can determine if “switchbacks” are formed in that region of the sun. Anna Tenerani, an assistant professor of space plasma physics who supervises Marriott’s studies, praised Marriott’s self-driven nature and enthusiasm for her research.
Steve Franklin, a communications specialist and panelist for the contest, highlighted the diversity of scientific research showcased in the Visualizing Science competition. The goal of the contest is to present science in a way that engages and excites people, sparking curiosity and appreciation for scientific discoveries. Marriott’s winning piece, along with other participants’ work, can be viewed in a 3D virtual gallery.[/
