Aaron Fernandez was born and raised in Puna, Hawai‘i, and is a proud graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i. Currently, he is a second-year student at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Astronomy, with plans to graduate in 2027. Throughout his life, Aaron has had a strong passion for astronomy, and his ultimate goal is to become an astrophysicist. With a deep connection to his Hawaiian heritage, Aaron is committed to bridging the gap between traditional Hawaiian culture and modern scientific understanding. He believes that the rich knowledge embedded in Hawaiian astronomy can contribute valuable insights to scientific exploration.
Home Island: Hawai‘i Island
High School: Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i
Institution when accepted: UH Hilo
Site: Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, Pukalani, Maui
Mentors: Tetsu Anan & Andre Fehlmann
Project title: Identifying Electric Fields in the Solar Atmosphere Using Data from DKIST
Project Abstract:
In 2022, the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) observed a solar phenomenon known as an Ellerman bomb—a small explosion in the Sun’s atmosphere associated with electric fields driving magnetic reconnection events. By observing magnetic diffusion events such as solar flares and Ellerman bombs, we can detect circular polarization signatures indicative of electric fields. These events are identified by analyzing spectral absorption and emission lines, which help determine the intensity and location of the events relative to the Sun’s surface. Specifically, measurements at wavelengths such as the H-epsilon and Ca II H lines can reveal patterns in circular polarization profiles consistent with the presence of electric fields. The alignment–orientation effect converts linear polarization signals into circular polarization due to the presence of an electric field, impacting how we interpret these electric field signatures. Understanding this effect is crucial for accurately analyzing Stokes profiles and identifying electric fields in solar phenomena like Ellerman bombs. The primary objective of this project was to analyze visible to near-UV spectral data collected by DKIST and identify these patterns by examining the Stokes polarization profiles in various different datasets using Python. Successfully identifying and interpreting these signatures will enhance our understanding of the electric fields that drive solar activity.