Solar wind modeling: a computational tool for the classroom

TL;DR

This paper introduces TEMPEST, a Python-based computational tool designed for educational purposes to explore the physics of solar wind acceleration and magnetic fields, enhancing student understanding through simulation.

Contribution

The paper presents a new Python library, TEMPEST, for modeling solar wind physics, specifically focusing on magnetic field effects, tailored for classroom use and student investigation.

Findings

TEMPEST successfully models solar wind acceleration with magnetic fields.

Results demonstrate the impact of magnetic field structure on solar wind speed.

The tool is accessible for educational purposes, fostering active learning.

Abstract

This article presents a Python model and library that can be used for student investigation of the application of fundamental physics on a specific problem: the role of magnetic field in solar wind acceleration. The paper begins with a short overview of the open questions in the study of the solar wind and how they relate to many commonly taught physics courses. The physics included in the model, The Efficient Modified Parker Equation Solving Tool (TEMPEST), is laid out for the reader. Results using TEMPEST on a magnetic field structure representative of the minimum phase of the Sun's activity cycle are presented and discussed. The paper suggests several ways to use TEMPEST in an educational environment and provides access to the current version of the code.