NASA Grant Funds Study of Solar Emissions

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Hakeem Oluseyi, an astrophysicist and professor in the Florida Tech Department of Physics and Space Sciences, has earned a grant for more
than $283,000 from NASA. The grant, from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate Earth-Sun System Division, funds research into the processes on the Sun’s
surface that generate the Sun’s extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and far ultraviolet (FUV) light emissions.

Many human activities are affected by solar EUV and FUV radiation influences on the Earth’s atmosphere. These influences include effects on radio
communications, electric power distribution, and satellite orbital parameters. The health and safety of astronauts and spacecraft are affected as well.

Typically, most Sun-Earth connection emission studies have focused on eruptive phenomena such as flares and coronal mass ejections. “It has become clear,
however,” said Oluseyi, “that the so-called quiet Sun is a significant contributor to these emissions, particularly near times of low solar activity. We
are focusing our efforts on the quiescent solar phenomena.”

Oluseyi earned a doctoral degree in physics from Stanford University. He has been involved for several years in international nonprofit work to improve
science education in developing countries. Just last July, he earned an $85,000 National Science Foundation grant for a solar atmosphere and technology
development research project.