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The research activities of the Laboratory of Astronomy encompass Solar and Space Physics, Space Weather, and Laboratory Plasma Physics. Physical processes occurring in the solar atmosphere, interplanetary space, and laboratory fusion plasmas are studied using observational, theoretical, and computational approaches.
Solar Simulations
Solar Simulations
Numerical simulation of a solar jet: a three-dimensional visualization (by V. Agalianou).
We employ 3D resistive MHD simulations to model the emergence of magnetic flux from the convection zone into the atmosphere of the Sun and F-type stars. This approach allows us to investigate the complex magnetic topology and heating processes that lead to the onset of eruptive events within a highly stratified and dynamical atmosphere. Within the strongly turbulent medium of the solar corona, these dynamics facilitate the formation of coherent structures that serve as localized sites for particle heating and acceleration. Ultimately, we aim to provide insights into the physical mechanisms that drive the eruptive activity of the Sun and its stellar twins, which remain as of yet elusive.
Laboratory Plasma
Laboratory Plasma
Exact three dimensional Magnetohydrodynamic equilibrium with nested toroidal magnetic surfaces (by D. A. Kaltsas).
Our research further investigates the equilibrium, stability, and relaxation of laboratory fusion plasmas, with a specific focus on the effects of plasma flow and pressure anisotropy. The group employs a comprehensive range of theoretical frameworks, including (MHD), multifluid, kinetic, and hybrid fluid-kinetic models. These are studied using both advanced analytical techniques—such as conformal mapping, Lie point symmetries, and Hamiltonian methods—and numerical simulations, including physics-informed machine learning algorithms. A key objective is the modeling of 2D and 3D equilibrium states relevant to advanced confinement regimes (e.g., H-mode and Internal Transport Barriers) in Tokamaks and quasi-symmetric Stellarators.
Solar Observations
Solar Observations
A mature active region captured in the chromospheric Hα line (by C. Alissandrakis, Pic du Midi Observatory).
Observations are collected from both ground and space observatories and practically cover the entire electromagnetic spectrum (from hard X-rays to metric radio wavelengths). The Lab is a member of the consortium operating the ARTEMIS–Jean Louis Steinberg Radiospectrograph (ARTEMIS-IV) Lab members are involved in scientific teams of space-borne solar and heliospheric observing instruments including SECCHI, WISPR and SolO-Hi, aboard STEREO, PSP and Solar Orbiter missions. The research covers all layers of the solar atmosphere as well as all levels of solar activity from the “quiet” Sun to the solar active regions and the solar eruptive phenomena, namely solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and solar jets.
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