Harjit Ahluwalia, Professor
Research Interests:
Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) intensity variations are studied (over a range of particle energies: 1 GeV to 300 GeV) on time scales ranging from a few hours to several decades in conjunction with the corresponding time variations observed in the measured (in situ in space) solar wind parameters (like the bulk velocity and the magnetic field intensity) as well as the indices of solar activity (sunspots, radio emissions from the Sun, coronal mass ejections, etc). The information derived from these studies is used to develop models pertaining to the modes of propagation of energetic charged particles in the tangled magnetic fields that permeate the heliosphere. There is a continuing interest in understanding the processes that lead to the production of solar cosmic rays, neutrons, and the electromagnetic emissions in the solar atmosphere following a large solar flare. Data obtained with satellites, space probes, and ground-based detectors are used for this purpose. We wish to acquire insights as to how energy is built up and released at a flare site on the Sun. A state-of-the-art sequence of courses are taught pertaining to the plasmas (observed in space as well as in the laboratory), cosmic radiations, and high energy astrophysics.