Project description
Next-gen space weather forecasting
The forecasting of space weather can be enhanced through the creation of a novel sensing technique for mapping the magnetic fields of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in the path between the Sun and Earth. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Programme, the Helio-MESOMAG project will analyse the measurements of Faraday rotation in polarised radio emission from our galaxy to provide the very first direct mapping of the structure of CMEs in the heliosphere. These will provide important information to complement magnetohydrodynamic modelling in understanding the CME phenomenon and making accurate predictions of its impact on satellites, power grids and aviation.
Objective
Magnetized plasma eruptions from the Sun, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), can disturb Earth’s magnetic shield, generating space weather (SWx) that impacts satellites, aviation, power grids, and other critical technologies. Reliable forecasts require knowledge of arrival time and mesoscale magnetic fields (B-fields), comparable in scale to Earth’s magnetosphere. Current state-of-the-art methods for SWx forecasting rely mainly on models and remain limited by the absence of direct measurements of CME B-field in the coronal and heliospheric height. The primary objective of this project is to develop a novel remote-sensing technique for mapping B-fields of CMEs as they propagate from the Sun to Earth. By exploiting changes in the Faraday rotation of ubiquitous polarized galactic emission by the magnetized heliospheric plasma, new-generation ground-based radio telescopes will, for the first time, provide heliospheric B-field maps. This will address a key observational gap in current SWx research by providing direct constraints on the evolution of large- and mesoscale plasma structures, particularly for B-fields. Combined with high-resolution MHD simulations, these observations will fill key knowledge gaps on the formation and evolution of mesoscale plasma structures, their interactions with large-scale structures, and during CME propagation. This interdisciplinary project — combining radio astronomy, solar physics, and MHD simulations — will transform SWx research by delivering the first CME B-field maps. This has a long-term societal and economic impact, with applications extending from fundamental research to operational forecasting, fully aligned with Horizon Europe and international heliophysics priorities. My supervisors, Dr. Pietro Zucca and Dr. Angelos Vourlidas, leading experts in solar and SWx research, will provide expertise and resources to guide this MSCA fellowship, offering strong career development and preparing the fellow as an independent researcher.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3526 KV Utrecht
Netherlands
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