There is a yearly call for proposals which is open for researchers who have between 2-7 years of research experience after their PhD. This year there were 540 proposals submitted, 55 were successful. Kohutova got the highest possible mark which is "Exceptional".
About the project
The project "ORCS: Oscillations in the Realistic Corona of the Sun" will use realistic numerical models of a large part of the Sun as a laboratory to study waves in the solar corona.
This will be done by running simulations using the numerical code Bifrost which account for the dynamic nature of the solar atmosphere. The project will also use the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, currently the world’s largest solar telescope, to observe waves in the corona in unprecedented detail. Combining advanced numerical models with high-resolution solar observations will help the scientists to understand how waves in the corona are created and how they transport and dissipate energy.
Teamwork
- A team of 5 people will be involved in the project - this includes my colleagues from RoCS and from the Northumbria University in the UK. I will also hire a postdoc to work on the observational aspects of the project, says Kohutova.
- How did you come up with the idea to your project?
- The idea for the project followed organically from my previous research, where I studied how plasma condensations form in the solar atmosphere using the Bifrost code. This made me realize that the Bifrost simulations have a lot of potential for studying the solar corona, so I had a go at writing a proposal. 2021 was the first year I was eligible to submit a grant proposal to the 'Young Research Talents' call due to the minimum experience requirement, so I'm very pleased it was successful on the first try!
New approach to modelling
The hot outer layer of the atmosphere of the Sun, known as the corona, is dynamic and continuously evolving. Understanding the dynamics of the solar corona is crucial for predicting the impacts of solar activity on the Earth.
The Norwegian Research Council describes Kohutova's project as "based on an innovative top-bottom approach in the modelling, which has not been used in solar coronal wave studies so far. It is exactly what is needed to make a breakthrough in this key area of solar physics. The project will provide the solar research community with a novel method of the remote diagnostics of physical conditions and basic processes operating in the upper part of the solar atmosphere. This knowledge is vital for space weather forecasting models."