Bereiche | Tage | Auswahl | Suche | Aktualisierungen | Downloads | Hilfe

EP: Fachverband Extraterrestrische Physik

EP 8: Sun and Heliosphere II

EP 8.1: Hauptvortrag

Donnerstag, 19. März 2026, 11:00–11:30, KH 01.019

Solar and heliospheric studies with the LOFAR radio telescope — •Christian Vocks — Leibniz-Institut für Astrophysik Potsdam (AIP), Potsdam, Germany

LOFAR is a radio interferometer observing in two frequency bands, 10 - 90 MHz and 110 - 250 MHz. As a software telescope, it offers great flexibility and various simultaneous observing modes. Solar radio radiation in the low and high band originates from the upper and middle corona, respectively. Thermal bremsstrahlung of the quiet solar corona provides information on coronal structure and temperatures. Non-thermal plasma emission of energetic electrons from solar flares or coronal mass ejection (CME) shock fronts makes LOFAR well suited for solar activity studies. Observations of type III radio bursts, caused by energetic electron beams, provide information on source locations relative to EUV and X-ray sources, as well as on electron and radio wave propagation in the corona. "beam-formed" images of type II bursts reveal electron acceleration at CME shock fronts.

Since the lowest LOFAR frequencies correspond to the upper corona and transition into the solar wind, LOFAR is an ideal instrument for Space Weather studies. Joint observing campaigns with Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe allow for tracing space weather events from their coronal source through the inner heliosphere on their way towards Earth. LOFAR is currently undergoing the upgrade to LOFAR2.0 with simultaneous low- and high-band observations and improved imaging capabilities. Space Weather studies with LOFAR2.0 will be complementary to the upcoming SKA that covers frequencies above 50 MHz.

Keywords: LOFAR; Sun; Corona; Solar Activity; Radio Bursts