Dr. Anne Marie Broomhall

Biography

Anne-Marie Broomhall is a researcher specializing in solar stellar physics, with a particular focus on helioseismology and asteroseismology. Her work involves probing the Sun to study the acoustic waves that travel through its interior, much like how sound waves resonate in a musical instrument. By analyzing the properties of oscillations, such as frequency and amplitude, she aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the Sun's influence on life on Earth. This includes the variable magnetic field of the Sun, which can impact communication systems, GPS signals, and even pose risks to airplane travelers. With the Sun's magnetic activity on the rise over recent years, understanding its behavior is more critical than ever. Broomhall employs helioseismological techniques to gain insights into the structure and evolution of the Sun's internal magnetic field, working toward unraveling the mysteries surrounding it. She also explores the possibility of applying similar methods to study other stars through asteroseismology, revealing that some stars exhibit flares significantly larger than those observed on the Sun. Her research seeks to place the Sun's behavior in the broader context of stellar activity using data from satellite missions such as Kepler, TESS, and PLATO.

Research Interests