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SOLAR MAGNETIC FIELDS AND THE DYNAMIC SUN
Celebrating the Career of Prof E.R. Priest

Royal Astronomical Society Specialist Discussion Meeting

Geological Society Lecture Theatre, Burlington Place, Piccadilly
13 November 2009

 		Hinode XRT image

Aims of the Meeting

It has long been known that the solar magnetic field, generated below the Sun's surface, is responsible for the observed activity and structure in the solar atmosphere. The energy stored (and subsequently released) in the magnetic field by convection motions results in a multitude of dynamical events, on a wide range of physical scales (from nanoflares and X-ray bright points to flares and coronal mass ejections), as well as the very existence of the hot X-ray corona. Our understanding of these processes all rooted in the mutual interactions between the plasma and magnetic field has advanced considerably over recent decades. These advances rest not only on observations from space missions (from Skylab and SMM, to TRACE, SoHO, Hinode and Stereo), but also on theory and modelling, and on the interaction between the two.

With a research career in solar physics spanning more than four decades, Prof. E.R. Priest has been hugely influential in the field of Solar Physics, in the UK and internationally. Focusing on using magnetohydrodynamics to build our understanding of the behaviour of magnetic fields in the solar atmosphere, his research has covered a wide range of topics such as magnetic reconnection, coronal heating, flares and prominences. During his career, Prof Priest has been a strong supporter of the RAS, has served the community on numerous (UK and international) panels and committees and has played a huge part in establishing the vibrant and internationally-leading UK Solar Physics research programme which we see today.


Celebrating the career of ERP, who retires this autumn, this meeting aims to summarise our understanding of the role of the magnetic field in solar activity, as well as looking towards the future. The meeting will give the solar physics community a platform to discuss the next advances that need to be made in both theory and observations to ensure that we continue Prof Priest's aspiration of understanding solar magnetic fields and, building on this knowledge, the role of magnetic fields across the universe.

NB Attendance is free for RAS members and 15 pounds for non-members (5 pounds for students - note that students can join the RAS for 1 pound!).

Invited Reviews

Deadlines

Abstracts for Oral Presentations — EXTENDED — Friday 23rd October
Abstracts for Poster Presentations — Friday 23rd October

Abstract Submission

To submit an abstract for an oral or poster contribution to this meeting, please send the following information to
Ineke De Moortel (inekemcs.st-and.ac.uk) - Please include 'abstract RAS09' in the subject of your email.

Name:
Institution:
Email:
Preference: oral or poster? (delete as appropriate)
Title of contribution:
Abstract (maximum 200 words):

Organisers