Solar wind modeling: a computational tool for the classroom

Abstract

This article presents a Python model and library that can be used for student investigation of the application of fundamental physics on a specific problem: the role of magnetic field in solar wind acceleration. The paper begins with a short overview of the open questions in the study of the solar wind and how they relate to many commonly taught physics courses. The physics included in the model, The Efficient Modified Parker Equation Solving Tool (TEMPEST), is laid out for the reader. Results using TEMPEST on a magnetic field structure representative of the minimum phase of the Sun's activity cycle are presented and discussed. The paper suggests several ways to use TEMPEST in an educational environment and provides access to the current version of the code.