As the Sun approaches its peak activity in 2025, skywatchers around the world will witness breathtaking solar events—from dazzling auroras to powerful solar storms. To mark this exciting milestone, the Office for Astronomy Outreach (OAO) will celebrate the contributions of women in solar physics throughout the year. Through public talks, interviews, and outreach activities, we will honour the groundbreaking work of women in solar research and inspire the next generation of scientists to explore the Sun.
On 8 March, celebrating International Women's Day, we will highlight Dr Rebecca Robinson, a heliophysics expert and MUSE Outreach Lead. While her research work spans solar magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations, geophysics, and astrophysics, she also aims to make solar science accessible—from national parks to cruise ships, museums, and virtual classrooms.
In her talk, Dr Robinson will discuss her research on untangling magnetic field loops to uncover one of the Sun's greatest mysteries: Why is the corona—the Sun’s outer atmosphere—so much hotter than its surface? After its launch in 2027, NASA's Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) satellite will bring humanity closer to understanding this question—and many more.
Join us in celebrating women in solar physics and be part of this Solar System-wide event!