Paul Cally

 
 
  1. School of Mathematical Sciences, Monash University

  2. Monash Centre for Astrophysics (MoCA)


INTERESTS

  1. Solar physics

  2. Magnetohydrodynamic waves

  3. MHD instabilities

  4. Computing with Mathematica

  5. History of mathematics


REFEREED PUBLICATIONS (NASA/ADS)

OTHER PUBLICATIONS (NASA/ADS)


HOSTED CONFERENCE NOV 2012

Eclipse on the Coral Sea: Cycle 24 Ascending


SUMMER PROJECT 2014

  1. Coupling Fast and Alfvén Waves to Kink Waves in Structured Plasmas

There are three types of (low frequency) waves in plasmas with uniform magnetic field: fast, slow, and Alfvén. When the plasma is stratified magnetically, for example when there are flux tubes or slabs, there are many other wave types available, specifically various surface and body waves, as well as leaky waves. Of particular interest are the transverse kink waves, which share many characteristics with Alfvén waves. Adding gravitational stratification allows conversion between the available wave types but greatly increases the mathematical complexity of the description. This project will explore the interaction between fast, tube and Alfvén waves in a cold MHD plasma (where the slow wave disappears). This question is highly topical in light of recent observations of Alfvén-like waves in the Sun’s corona.

References

  1. Cally, P. S., “Magnetohydrodynamic Tube Waves: Waves in Fibrils”, Aust. J. Phys., 38, 825–837, (1985)

  2. McIntosh, S W et al, “Alfvénic waves with sufficient energy to power the quiet solar corona and fast solar wind”, Nature, 475, 477, (2011)

  3. Tomczyk, S et al, “Alfvén Waves in the Solar Corona”, Science, 317, 1192, (2007)

  4. Van Doorsselaere, T et al, “Detection of Waves in the Corona: Kink or Alfvén?”, Astrophys. J., 676, L73, (2008)

Professor of Solar Physics, Monash University

Family: wife Vera, sons Adam and Justin


Address:

School of Mathematical Sciences

Monash University

Wellington Road

Clayton

Victoria 3800

Australia

Ph: (61 -3) 9905 4471


paul.cally at monash.edu