High Altitudes for High Energies: Chasing Solar Flares by Balloon

Come join us for our monthly Astronomy talk!
7:30pm-8pm: Social time with snacks

8pm: Talk begins

Note: We will be meeting in the south event building instead of our usual space in the north event building at the park (our normal building is a polling place and will be occupied or locked).

Title: High Altitudes for High Energies: Chasing Solar Flares by Balloon

Abstract: Solar flares drive space weather which can affect satellites, astronauts, and life on Earth. Having a better understanding of what drives solar flares can lead to better space weather prediction. In this talk, I will discuss the GRIPS (Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar flares) high altitude balloon mission and its applications for studying particle acceleration in flares. Join me to explore the world of low-cost access to space, solar flare science, and the implications of space weather!

Bio: Meredith Wieber is a 4th-year graduate student in physics at UC Berkeley and an NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Her work centers around understanding particle acceleration processes in solar flares, using X-, gamma-, and micro-wave observations. She is also assisting in the development of the GRIPS (Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar Flares) high-altitude balloon instrument to image gamma-ray ion footpoints from solar flares. Outside of physics, Meredith enjoys sewing, reading, and being outdoors.

Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a paid member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/