Mr. Samriddhi Maity (he/him/his)

Astrophysicist
Solar Physics Laboratory (671)

How did you know that you wanted to study astrophysics/solar physics?

I've always found it fascinating how a simple piece of code can simulate the complex dynamics of celestial objects. I already had an astrophysics background during my postgraduate studies, but it wasn't until I began my PhD that I truly delved into numerical modeling. When I started my PhD, I was fortunate to have a supervisor who specializes in numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere, and this aligned perfectly with my growing interest in the field.

Initially, I was captivated by how numerical models can be used to replicate intricate solar phenomena, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs), highly twisted magnetic field lines commonly known as magnetic flux ropes, and solar flares. The ability to build a computational model and watch it mimic real astrophysical events felt almost like magic—bringing theory to life in a way that experiments in a traditional lab often can't. This blend of theory, physics, and computational techniques drew me deeper into numerical modeling.

As time went on, my interests broadened. I became equally fascinated with observational data and how it complements numerical models. I began exploring how to use real-world data to constrain and validate the simulations, which adds another dimension to the research. The interplay between observation, data analysis, and simulation has enriched my approach, allowing me to make more robust and meaningful contributions to understanding solar phenomena. This journey from being purely intrigued by modeling to appreciating the power of observation has expanded the scope of my research and deepened my passion for solar physics.

What science questions do you investigate?

My primary research focus is on understanding the initiation mechanisms of CMEs and their evolution in the solar system. To study this, I utilize a combination of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations and observational data analysis. Since CME initiation is largely governed by various magnetic instabilities, my goal is to identify and analyze the specific instabilities that lead to the eruption of magnetic flux ropes (MFRs). By doing so, I aim to better understand the complex processes that trigger these large-scale solar events.

In addition to studying the initiation of CMEs, I have focused on the early evolution of magnetic flux ropes, as this is critical in understanding how CMEs form and propagate. My research has provided insights into the early dynamics of MFRs as they evolve into full-scale CMEs. Going forward, I am particularly interested in expanding my research to study the heliospheric evolution of CMEs as they travel through interplanetary space. Understanding how CMEs interact with the solar wind and other heliospheric structures is crucial for assessing their impact on space weather.

Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between the initiation of CMEs in the lower solar atmosphere and their effects on Earth's space environment. By investigating both the onset of these events and their long-term evolution in the heliosphere, I hope to contribute to the broader understanding of how CMEs influence space weather, with implications for satellite safety, communication systems, and other space-related technologies.

Tell us about the research projects you are currently working on.

I am currently focused on calculating the twist factor (i.e., the winding of the magnetic field lines around each other) of magnetic flux ropes for multiple solar events, comparing their values between the lower corona and Earth's orbit (1 AU). To achieve this, we employ several observational techniques for calculating magnetic flux. The conventional approach in plasma physics allows twist calculation using these two metrics alone, and we have developed a novel method that relies on direct observational data rather than numerical extrapolation, which is often subject to inherent uncertainties.

In parallel, I am setting up our in-house MHD code for data-constrained simulations, which will enable us to further refine our lower coronal CME initiation models. Additionally, I am working to integrate these lower coronal results into a heliospheric model to study the evolution of CMEs and their impacts on space weather. This combined effort aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of CME-driven space weather phenomena, bridging the gap between solar observations and their terrestrial effects.

How did you end up working at NASA Goddard?

I am currently an intern at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, working under the Scientific Committee on Solar Terrestrial Physics (SCOSTEP) Visiting Scholar Program (SVS). My journey toward securing this opportunity began in 2023 when my collaborator informed me about the program. Intrigued by the potential, I eagerly waited for the next announcement to apply. Once the call for applications was released, I began searching for a potential host whose research focus aligned with my own interests, particularly in CMEs and space weather. This process was more challenging than anticipated, as it required finding someone whose expertise and ongoing projects matched my research background.

After identifying a suitable host and securing their agreement to support my application, I approached my PhD supervisor for permission. Since I was in the final stages of my PhD, my supervisor advised me to expedite the completion of my thesis before committing to the internship. With her guidance and support, I managed to wrap up my remaining PhD work, after which I submitted my application to the SCOSTEP Visiting Scholar Program.

I was thrilled when I received news of my selection for the program. It felt like a culmination of my efforts, both in completing my PhD and in pursuing an opportunity that would allow me to grow further as a researcher. Since joining NASA Goddard, I've been able to collaborate with leading scientists in the field, gaining hands-on experience with advanced MHD simulations and contributing to our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth. This internship has been an invaluable experience, enabling me to apply my academic training to real-world scientific challenges while preparing me for the next phase of my career.

What is one of your favorite moments in your career so far?

One of the most exhilarating experiences for any PhD student is the moment when their manuscript is accepted for publication. It is a culmination of years of dedication and hard work, and, for me, this has always been a significant highlight. Beyond publication, what truly excites me during my research journey is when the results of my analysis align perfectly with my initial hypotheses. That sense of validation is uniquely fulfilling, as it reaffirms that the countless hours spent developing models, refining approaches, and running simulations are all moving in the right direction. It's those moments when everything falls into place that make the long and sometimes arduous research process so rewarding, and they stand out as some of my favorite experiences during my PhD.

Another deeply rewarding moment came after more than a year of focused work on our simulation setup. We had been striving to achieve the first successful CME within our model, and, when it finally happened, the excitement was overwhelming. This wasn't just a minor success—it was a significant breakthrough in our project. After months of refining the setup, tweaking parameters, and running countless tests, seeing that first CME emerge in the simulation was thrilling. It was a tangible representation of everything we had worked for, and the sense of accomplishment I felt in that moment was unparalleled.

One of the more technically demanding aspects of my research involved calculating the reconnection flux from our simulations. This required tracking the reconnection sheet in three dimensions—an extremely challenging task due to the complexity and variability of the system. The process was labor-intensive, taking nearly two months to complete. I had to meticulously check and recheck each snapshot, performing the same calculations repeatedly to build a comprehensive picture of the evolving system. It was painstaking work, requiring both patience and precision, as a complete and accurate understanding of the reconnection process was essential for our study.

However, the effort was well worth it. When I finally compiled the results and plotted the curve, I was thrilled to see that it aligned beautifully with observational data from a real-world CME event. This not only validated the work I had put into the calculations but also served as a crucial checkpoint for verifying the accuracy of our in-house code. Seeing the theoretical results line up so well with observations was an immensely gratifying moment, one that underscored the reliability of our approach and opened new doors for further exploration.

These milestones—whether it's the validation of an analysis, the success of a complex simulation, or the resolution of a difficult calculation—are what make the PhD journey so fulfilling. Each step forward, however challenging, brings with it a deeper understanding of the subject and a sense of contribution to the broader field of solar physics and space weather research. For me, these moments of discovery and achievement have defined my research career and continue to motivate me as I explore new challenges and opportunities in the field.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My work primarily revolves around writing code and visualizing the results of various simulations and models. I find great joy in exploring different coding techniques and numerical algorithms, which has become a cherished hobby of mine. Each day, I strive to enhance my coding skills, constantly seeking new knowledge and methodologies to improve my work and broaden my capabilities.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I have a genuine passion for cooking. While I might not be the most skilled chef among my friends, I always strive to do my best in the kitchen. I find joy in experimenting with new recipes and flavors, as it allows me to unleash my creativity and share delicious meals with others.

In my downtime, I enjoy unwinding with Netflix and YouTube, where I particularly gravitate toward tech channels and gadget reviews. I find it fascinating to stay updated on the latest technological advancements and innovations, which often inspires my own work and interests.

Additionally, I love to travel, especially to nearby destinations that showcase the beauty of nature. Exploring picturesque landscapes and immersing myself in the outdoors is a wonderful way to recharge and find inspiration. Whether it's a short hike or a leisurely stroll through a park, I cherish the moments spent connecting with the natural world. This blend of professional pursuits and personal passions keeps my life dynamic and fulfilling, allowing me to grow in various ways.

If you were to expand your current research focus, what new topics would you explore?

The topics of solar CMEs and their propagation through the heliosphere are not only crucial for understanding space weather and its effects on Earth, but they also have intriguing parallels with transient phenomena observed in stellar atmospheres. The similarities between solar and stellar eruptions open fascinating avenues for comparative studies, which is an area I'm keen to explore further. Studying such phenomena across different types of stars could provide deeper insights into the underlying physics governing these energetic events.

In recent years, the rise of machine learning has revolutionized many aspects of scientific research, including astrophysics. The ability to apply machine learning techniques to large, complex datasets has unlocked new possibilities for understanding the intricate processes driving solar and stellar activity. I'm particularly interested in leveraging these tools to predict solar storms and their effects on Earth in advance. Given the increasing number of innovations reported in the field, I believe machine learning has the potential to significantly improve our ability to forecast space weather, making it a powerful complement to traditional models and observational techniques. Combining data-driven approaches with physics-based models could help unravel the complexity of CME initiation and propagation, providing more accurate predictions of their impact on the Earth and other planetary systems.

This integration of machine learning with solar and space weather research excites me, as it represents the future of predictive modeling in our field. I'm enthusiastic about exploring these new frontiers, where advanced computational tools meet the complexities of solar physics, offering the potential for breakthroughs that could have real-world applications in safeguarding space-based technologies and infrastructure.