thesis topics solar

110 Solar Energy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best solar energy topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy solar energy essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on solar energy, ❓ questions about solar energy.

• Solar Energy as an Alternative Source of Energy It is of essence to note that, with the depletion of fossil fuels, more emphasis is now being put on the use of solar energy as an alternate energy source.
• Solar Energy Installation Project Management 0 Pilot solar energy project Managers will run a pilot project to determine the feasibility of the project. A number of resources will be required to complete the project. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Using Solar (PV) Energy to Generate Hydrogen Gas for Fuel Cells With the current technologies, an electrolyzer working at 100% efficiency needs 39 kWh of electricity to liberate 1 kg of hydrogen.
• Solar Energy in the United Arab Emirates The success of the solar power initiatives in the UAE is largely attributed to the wide range of financial incentives that the UAE government has offered to the companies that are prepared to advance the […]
• Renewable Energy: Comparison Between Biogas and Solar Energies Again, the research finds that the cost of installation is higher compared to solar energy sources. However, the paper is going to compare solar and biogas energy sources.
• Wind and Solar Energy as a Sources of Alternative Energy Fthenakis, Mason and Zweibel also examined the economical, geographical and technical viability of solar power to supplement the energy requirements of the U.S.and concluded that it was possible to substitute the current fossil fuel energy […]
• How Solar Energy Can Save the Environment? Over the past few decades, the level of greenhouse gasses in the environment has been on the rise. The only cost in the production of solar energy is making the solar panels.
• Efficient Solar Refrigeration: A Technology Platform for Clean Energy and Water Refrigeration cycle capable to be driven by low grade energy, substituting gas-phase ejector used in conventional mechanical compressor.
• Making Solar Energy Affordable Solar energy is a type of energy that is obtained through tapping the sun’s rays radiant and converting it into other energy forms such as heat and electricity.
• Government Subsidies for Solar Energy This approach has enabled solar companies and developers to penetrate the energy market despite the high costs involved in developing solar power.
• The Sun’s Light and Heat: Solar Energy Issue The figure below provides an overview of the major parts of the solar system, which include the solar core, the radiative zone, the convective zone, the photosphere, the chromosphere, and the corona among others.
• Solar Energy: Review and Analysis Available literature shows that most commercial CSP plants in Spain and the United States using synthetic oil as the transfer fluid and molten salt as the thermal energy storage technology are able to achieve a […]
• Solar and Wind Energy in the Empty Quarter Desert However, the main bulk of the report focuses on the proposal to build a stand alone renewable energy source, a combination of a solar power wind turbine system that will provide a stable energy source […]
• Solar Energy Selling Framework The list of actions to complete the required activity goes in the following sequence: planning actions, sales pitch itself, and reflection. The actions, aimed at doing are the four stages of a sales pitch, that […]
• The Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Effect The key difference factor of the solar cells is the material and technology that is used. Photon behavior in a solar cell is defined by the materials used and the construction of the cell itself.
• Solar Energy Project: Stakeholder and Governance Analysis The stakeholders on this issue are the central governments of the three countries, the local government bodies the industrial and business groups and the civil society groups interested on the issue.
• Solar Energy: Commercial and Industrial Power Source This is made further possible by the inspirational circulars related to the application of more solar energy in the state. This is one of the major participations that came in to the notice.
• Solar Energy and Its Impact on Society He believed that the wheel was the extension of our feet, the hammer was an extension of our hands, and technology is the extension of our mind and mentality.
• Bismuth Vanadate Photocatalyst for Solar Energy 20 In the scheelite BiVO4, it is possible to find out a hybridized band structure with Bi 6s and O 2p orbitals.
• Solar Energy Power Plant & Utility Supply Contract The first assumption from the case above is that the advisement by SEPP to the US not to provide EEC certificates was made orally and was came after the contract had been signed.
• Solar Energy Industry in the UAE The UAE International Investors Council insists that the sustainable use of the available financial resources, particularly, FDI, should be viewed as the foundation for enhancing the development of the state industries, especially as far as […]
• Solar Energy: Definition and Ways of Usage Observers believe that the energy from the sun has the potential to satisfy the world’s energy requirements. Energy from the solar is free, and we can never deplete solar energy.
• Solar Energy Panels in UAE This report will examine the future of solar energy and the incentive schemes that can be put in place to develop the United Arab Emirates solar energy industry.
• Solar & Wind Sources: Hybrid Energy System Of the Australian capital cities, Darwin, Australia is the smallest and is located in the north-most part of the country. The following is the analysis of the factors to be considered.
• Solar Energy Houses’ Benefits In the same breadth, another advantage of the solar energy houses is that they reduce the emission of carbon dioxide through other processes.
• Solar Energy in the UAE It is important to note that the nature of the solar field is modular, and that it has a number of parallel solar collector rows.
• Solar Energy Business Model Based in Melbourne Competitiveness The concentration of solar energy consultancy industry Industry concentration is a term used to define the measure of the number of organizations as well as the size of the organizations, which are considered predominant […]
• Tecck Industries: Business Climate and Ethics The moral issues in the current business climate emanate from the values that the different sections of the society hold. Tecck Industries recognizes that there are laws that govern certain aspects of the ethical, moral, […]
• Making Solar Energy More Affordable The use of solar energy can be critical for environmental and economic sustainability of many communities that can be located in different regions of the world.
• Alternative Sources of Energy: Solar, Wind, and Hydropower Countries, which depend on oil are getting worried because they are not certain of the availability of this source of energy in future, also, the prices of oil has been escalating over the years, and […]
• Evolution of Solar Energy in US The policy of solar energy in the US is established by the federal, public entities and the state that addresses energy issues of production, consumption like the standards on gas mileage.
• New Techniques for Harnessing Solar Energy Due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and the expenses incurred in the mining of fossil fuels, it is important that we find a new source of energy to fulfill the energy needs of the […]
• Is Solar Energy Good for the State of New Jersey? The state of the New Jersey is second to California in terms of the use of solar energy. As people are waking up to the reality that the limited world’s resources are increasingly being depleted, […]
• The Use of Solar Energy Should be Adopted in All States in the U.S. The emphasis on renewable sources of energy has been enhanced by the fact that the limited world’s resources are increasingly being depleted; thus, the states have adopted the use of solar energy so as to […]
• The Affordability And Efficiency Of Solar Energy
• The Depletion of Non-Renewable Energy Source and the Development of Solar Energy as the Best Alternative
• Solar Energy’s Place In The Power Industry
• The Potential of Solar Energy and Its Progress in Developing Nations
• Solar Energy Is A More Effective Source Than Wind Energy
• The Ethics Of The Solyndra Solar Energy Panels
• The Right Time For Using Solar Energy For Houses
• Why Residential Solar Energy Is A Positive Form Of Progress In Our World Today
• The Use Of Solar Energy Does Not Pollute The Environment
• Solar Energy: The Ultimate Renewable Energy Resource
• The Description of Solar Energy and Its Potential as the Energy of the Future
• The Many Uses and Applications of Solar Energy
• The Effect of Public Policies on Inducing Technological Change in Solar Energy
• Understanding Technological Optimism and Pessimism and the Benefits of Passive Solar Energy
• Way Forward for Solar Energy Players in India
• The Solar Energy Principles in the Government of the United States
• Unexpected Rapid Fall of Wind and Solar Energy Prices: Backgrounds, Effects and Perspectives
• The Effect Of Solar Energy On Silicon Solar Cell Technology
• The Factors to Consider in Determining a Good Production of Solar Energy
• The Importance of Solar Energy in Napal
• The Impact of Solar Energy Technologies in China
• Solar Energy Is Not A Solution To The American Energy Crisis
• Solar Energy Development And Environmental Considerations
• The Pros And Cons Of Wind And Solar Energy
• The Positive Impact Of Solar Energy On People, And Country
• Solar Energy: Potential to Facilitate Household Rural Electrification
• The Rapid Growth of Solar Energy in China and Its Potential
• Solar Energy Collecting As Alternative Energy Source
• The Use of Solar Energy in Canada and in Other Parts of the World
• The Marketing of Solar Energy for Domestic Purposes
• The Effect of International Trade Policies on the Solar Energy
• Sustaining the Environment Through Solar Energy
• The Effects Of Solar Energy On The Environment
• The Status of Solar Energy Integration and Policy in Nigeria
• Wind Turbine Energy, Static Electricity And Solar Energy
• The Impacts of Solar Energy on Daily Life
• The Impact Of Solar Energy On The Energy Industry
• The Solar Energy Of Renewable Energy
• Using Solar Energy For Functional Working Of Machine
• Utilization of Solar Energy for Thermal Desalination
• Solar Power : Advantages And Challenges Of Solar Energy
• The Environmental Advantages Of Solar Energy
• A Comparison of the Development and Status of the Solar Energy Markets in Kenya and Tanzania
• Solar Energy as the Cheapest and Best Alternative Energy on Earth
• The History and Application of Solar Energy
• Using Homemade Solar Cookers And Solar Energy
• Why Is Solar Energy Vital for the Future?
• What Is the Most Important Thing About Solar Energy?
• Are Promotion Programs Needed to Establish Off-Grid Solar Energy Markets?
• Can Solar Energy Save the World?
• How Is Solar Energy Converted Into Electricity?
• What Are the Advantages of Solar Energy?
• How Is Much Less Solar Energy Received at 60 Latitudes?
• What Are the Main Disadvantages to Solar Energy?
• How Can Solar Energy Change the World?
• How Is Solar Energy Made?
• Why Residential Solar Energy Is a Positive Form of Progress in Our World Today?
• What Does Solar Energy Mean?
• What Are the Sources of Solar Energy?
• Why Is Solar Energy Good?
• Does Solar Energy Have a Future?
• What Are the Interesting Facts About Solar Energy?
• How Can Solar Energy Help the Environment?
• Why Solar Energy Is the Future?
• Can Solar Energy Production Be Attractive or Profitable for Business?
• What Is Solar Energy?
• How Vital Is Solar Energy?
• Is Solar Energy Expensive?
• What Is the Current Research on Solar Energy?
• How Efficient Is Solar Energy?
• Do Solar Panels Work at Night?
• Why Solar Energy Is the Best?
• Who Is Researching Solar Energy?
• What Is the Biggest Problem With Solar Energy?
• Which Subsidy Mode Improves the Financial Performance of Solar Energy Firms?
• How Has Solar Energy Given to Society?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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15 Topics for Solar Energy Research

Solar energy is a renewable resource that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Additionally, solar energy research can lead to the development of new technologies and jobs in the solar industry.

Finally, solar energy research can help to improve the efficiency of solar cells and make them more affordable for consumers.

Machine learning

Bionic leaf, others five topics, solar energy research topics for high school, how is solar energy the future, how does solar energy work (for your research), what are the 2 main disadvantages of solar energy, 15 topics for you to do solar energy research.

Solar energy research and development is a big topic. Here are 15 different solar energy topics you can write about for your next solar energy research paper:

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a machine learning program to forecast the performance of future solar photovoltaic materials, including “virtual” compounds that do not yet exist.

The technique was developed in collaboration with Industry Partner CSIRO and is now freely accessible and simple to use for research teams all over the world.

It will significantly accelerate the development of more efficient solar cells, which are increasingly important as renewable energy’s popularity rises and carbon emissions reduction becomes more crucial.

Scientists recently created a model named bionic leaf that can separate sunlight into water into hydrogen and oxygen. With bacteria engineering, it converts carbon dioxide and hydrogen into a liquid fuel called isopropanol. The efficiency of this process is 1 percent, and you can turn sunlight into fuel.

This research is currently in the initial stage, and you can improve it if you are interested. This is a possible process that can become an outstanding source of renewable energy. The improvement of energy recreation will be a great solution. It allows scientists to use natural resources for energy production.

Some other topics you can start researching are listed below. The thin film solar is one of the key directions that many governments want to develop due to its advantages. If you are super serious about your subject, you can dig deeper into that field and maybe, spend more time on the lab, connect to others in the solar e, and who knows, in the future, we will have a new technology that can save a million trees.

• Thin Film Solar
• Carbon-Based Solar Cells
• Polymer Solar Cells
• Solar Concentration Technology
• Lignocellulose Hydrolysis Technology

Those are topics for your next research paper. If you are a high school student and want to do some research about solar energy, below are some simpler topics that you can learn and present in front of the class.

• The cost of solar energy research and development
• Solar energy storage methods
• Solar power in transportation
• Solar energy in the home
• Solar water heating
• Solar space heating and cooling
• Solar cooking
• Solar pool heating
• Passive solar building design
• Active solar building technologies
• Solar air conditioning
• Solar photovoltaic cells
• Solar thermal power plants
• Solar desalination
• The future of solar energy research and development

I have listed a few possible topics for you to write about in your solar energy research paper. These are only a few of the many possibilities available to you. Be sure to brainstorm other ideas and do some preliminary research before settling on a topic. Good luck!

The future of solar energy is very bright. Solar energy is a clean, renewable resource that can be used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power transportation. With the right policies in place, solar energy could provide a significant portion of the world’s energy needs.

Solar energy works by trapping sunlight in solar panels and converting it into electricity. Solar panels are made up of a series of cells that contain semiconductors, such as silicon. When sunlight hits the cell, it causes an electric field to be created. The electricity generated can then be used to power homes and businesses.

First, solar energy is not a consistent source of energy because it is dependent on the amount of sunlight available. Second, solar energy is also relatively expensive to set up compared to other forms of energy generation.

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Home » Solar Energy » Solar Energy Research Topics

Solar Energy Research Topics

Every hour the Sun sends energy to earth which is enough to provide a whole year’s worth of electricity requirement by the world. This energy doesn’t go anywhere after usage, which means it is renewable. Not to mention it requires way less manpower than conventional forms of power production. Photovoltaic cells are great at utilizing the benefits of solar energy. Solar Energy is a relatively new field of science. Most early solar energy research topics can be traced back to the 1860s. That was mostly due to expectations that coal will become extinct.

Best Solar Energy Research Topics

• The Photovoltaic effect
• Limitations
• Quantum Efficiency
• Impact on the Environment
• Effect on Economy
• History & modern Development
• Manufacturing & Applications
• Decreasing costs
• Future of Photovoltaics
• Standalone Power Systems
• Dish Stirling
• Enclosed trough
• History & Development
• Thermal Energy Storage Systems
• Fresnel reflectors
• Solar thermal enhanced oil recovery
• Ideal Scenario
• Costs & Incentives
• Effects on Wildlife
• Comparison with Photovoltaics & hybrid systems.
• Solar Power Tower
• Copper in Concentration of Solar-Thermal Power
• Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) System
• CPV + CSP Hybrid
• Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) hybrid solar collector
• Concentrator Photovoltaics and Thermal (CPVT)
• PV Diesel System
• Thermovoltaic (PV-thermoelectric) system

Because this list is incomplete, please suggest additional solar energy research topics in the comment section.

– Smart grid control system.

We all know the digital age has greatly affected our lives and make things efficient and sufficient. A smart grid is a digital technological electricity network that supplies electricity to consumers via two-way digital communication. It allows you to monitor, analyze and control so we can make the system more efficient. It controls peak loads which can affect production costs. This smart system saves you money and increases the reliability of the energy supply chain. It was kept forward to get out of the problems facing conventional electrical grids by using net meters. Better energy management and reduces money also come with the package. It also provides better power quality with less emission of carbon dioxide. Usually, traditional electricity grids provide one-way communication.

– Cooling of PV modules

A cooling method has been developed which works based on water spraying of PV panels. A mathematical object has been developed which has been set it starts working when the maximum temperature reaches. It also determines how much time will it take to get cooled. Overheating reduces the efficiency of solar panels. An increase in temperature is inversely proportional to the efficiency of production. A Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) solar system is one of the best methods for cooling solar panels these days. The PV cells have an integral connection with the cooling method. Actually in the cooling method water or air circulates the solar panels. It is also noted it doesn’t allow to exceed the limit of 45 degrees celsius. The water-based cooling system was found to be more efficient than an air-based cooling system.

– Challenges associated with renewable energy:

One of the biggest issues is power availability. WE just can’t control natural things like sunshine and rain etc. If the weather is sunny then it’s ok, production will occur. But if the weather is cloudy or cooled then it will affect the production of energy. There are many other hurdles as every radiation can’t produce electricity after hitting on panels because of lower energy. On the other hand,

there are many distractions in the way of radiations like clouds, atmospheric shields, and ozone. So fully radiations can’t reach

– Increase the efficiency of conversion to other forms while also reducing the cost.

Store energy more efficiently and reduce costs.

The higher the capacity, the more energy you can store. If we talk about storing energy efficiently, then the answer is simple that you have that battery. But the more you can do is to maintain the battery system. You can learn about this topic on our website, where we have explained how can we have an efficient battery system. You can follow those Do’s and Don’ts and save to an extent. The main benefit of a battery is you can store that produced energy instead of it goes back to the grid.

Precautions

Meet consultant:.

You should talk to whether to an expert or a consultant. Investing big without consulting (or having knowledge) is a bad idea. There are many sources from where you can take help. The easiest and most appreciable is searching on the internet. On the internet, you will get the answer to your every question. By doing all this, you can save money.

Space Management

Often people make mistakes by not measuring the area where they have to install whether on the roof or the ground. But it is better to install on a roof as an effect of shade barely possible. If you are going to set panels on the roof, then you must check whether it can bear the load or not. You should install it in such a way that they can face the Sun. And the gap between must be enough for airflow.

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Renewable Energy Dissertation Topics

Published by Carmen Troy at January 5th, 2023 , Revised On August 11, 2023

Renewable energy refers to sustainable energy that can be constantly replenished. These energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, and thermal energy, which are naturally replenishing.  In simple words, renewable energy is the energy extracted from natural sources.

Renewable energy has become the need of the hour with potential repercussions on climate. While many used to claim in past that the emergency of climate change is false, the obvious changes today evidently ratify its importance. If not for climate change, renewable energy is essential for increasing the longevity of the earth and thus the species living on it.  Therefore, it is a matter of high significance to make some painstaking efforts and ensure the availability of renewable energy resources among all.

Suppose you are aiming to centralise your dissertation on a renewable energy-related theme. In that case, you can look at some of the current, striking, and potential topics suggested by our PHD scholars at ResearchProspect.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting a brief research proposal from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an introduction to the problem, research question , aim and objectives, literature review , along with the proposed methodology of research to be conducted. Let us know if you need any help in getting started.

Check our example dissertation to get an idea of how to structure your dissertation .

You can review step by step guide on how to write your dissertation here .

2022 Renewable Energy Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: exploring the economic benefits of increasing biomass conversion – a case study of the uk renewable energy industry..

Research Aim: The present study aims to explore the economic benefits of increasing biomass conversion referring to the case study of the UK renewable energy industry.

Objectives:

• To share a preliminary concept of biomass conversion and its benefits.
• To describe the economic benefits of increasing biomass conversion based on the context of the UK renewable energy industry
• To identify challenges in biomass conversion along with figuring out strategies to eradicate these challenges.

Topic 2: Inspecting the advantages of using solar energy and its role as a solution to the global threat i.e. Climate change.

Research Aim: The present study aims to investigate the benefits of using solar energy and the way it is resolving the problem of climate change.

• To elucidate the benefits of using solar energy and its growing use in different sectors.
• To explain how solar energy can be a solution for a global threat like climate change.
• To provide a stringent set of recommendations for the best possible use of solar energy to eradicate the problem of climate change.

Topic 3: Examining the strategy of embracing renewable energy by the UK retail organisations to fulfil the environmental sustainability goals.

Research Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the strategy of using renewable energy in the UK retail sector to fulfil environmental sustainability goals.

• To express the way renewable energy sources are being relevant in the UK retail industry.
• To analyse how the retail orgnisations in the UK are using renewable energy to fulfil their environmental sustainability goals.
• To share effective ideas about how renewable energy sources can be used properly by the UK retail organisations to fulfil environmental sustainability goals.

Topic 4: Critical assessment of growing concern for sustainability in UK construction industry which is driving renewable energy consumption.

Research Aim: The present study aims to assess the growing concern for sustainability in the UK construction industry that drives overall renewable energy consumption.

• To explain the increasing concern for sustainability in the UK construction industry.
• To examine how renewable energy consumption is increasing in the UK construction industry along with the growing concern for sustainability.
• To recommend the organisations in the UK construction industry to improve the use of renewable energy sources aiming to achieve sustainability goals.

Topic 5: Evaluating the impact of solar energy in sustainability practices in the UK agriculture industry.

Research Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the impacts of using solar energy in sustainability practices in the UK agriculture industry.

• To demonstrate the concept of solar energy consumption and its impacts on sustainability practices.
• To contextualise the use of solar energy in the UK agriculture industry as a part of sustainability practices.
• To provide recommendations for improving the use of solar energy thereby gaining its advantageous effects in the UK agriculture industry.

Renewable Energy Research Topics

Topic. 1: renewable energy: prospects and problems today.

Research Aim: The main aim of the research will be to identify the significance of deploying renewable energy to the masses and its implications in the long run. The research will also discuss whether or not the world is facing challenges in ensuring the availability of renewable energy; if yes, what would be the solutions or alternatives.

Topic. 2: Renewable energy for sustainable development in Africa

Research Aim: Africa leads ahead of all other regions of the world regarding the least access to renewable energy. According to one report, around 600 million people do not have access to electricity in Africa, while  900 million lack access to clean water. This research will study and evaluate how providing renewable energy can foster sustainable development in the region by advancing economic development, improving access to energy, and mitigating climate change.

Topic. 3: Implications of COVID-19 on the biofuel market

Research Aim: Covid-19 posed precarious implications for the global markets as it dismantled the buying capacity of people. It was noted that during the pandemic, the prices of biofuel plummeted dramatically as the consumer need was minimal. Keeping that in mind, you can base your research on what shifts are expected to occur in the bio-fuel market when the pandemic ends.

The prime aim of the research will include studying the impact of COVID-9 on the biofuel market and understanding its influences on biofuel policy support by policymakers.

Topic. 4: Geothermal energy; an untapped abundant energy resource

Research Aim: Geothermal energy is usually viewed as a recent and form of alternative energy. It is cheaper than other green energy sources and is clean and sustainable.  It is derived from the earth core and is more eco-friendly than the other fossil fuel sources. In this research, you can explain geothermal energy, its abundance, and how it can be leveraged and supplied to the masses to help escape the energy crisis.

Topic. 5: The Future of Wind Energy

Research Aim: The main aim of the research will be to identify the prospects of wind energy by evaluating the current and prospected policies regarding its utilisation worldwide. The research can also base on modern and future technologies to expand the utilisation and outreach of wind energy.

Topic. 6: Home wind energy: How valuable it is?

Research Aim: Recently more and more people are finding it an excellent idea to install our very own wind turbines and produce clean energy to power homes. But doing that does not come without challenges. The research can discuss the significance of wind energy, check for its practicability, and evaluate its benefits and downsides.

Topic. 7: Economic and environmental benefits of Renewable Energy

Research Aim: All of us are aware that renewable energy has vast benefits, ranging from economic to environmental benefits. The main aim of the research will be to thoroughly discuss the economic and environmental aspects, which are facilitated the most. You can study how countries are thriving economically and structuring workable policies to mitigate climate change and present a model to follow.

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Topic. 8: Why it has become more important than ever to focus on renewable energy

Research Aim: The aim of the research will be to identify the key reasons behind the much-needed attention that must be given to renewable energy. It is prime time to focus on renewable energy to ensure sustainable development and handle climate change quickly.

Today, as the world is swiftly transitioning into a technologically driven lifestyle, there are still a lot of people with no access to drinking water and electricity. Moreover, the consumption of artificial resources is responsible for curtailing the longevity of the earth and thus the species living on it. It is essential to take significant steps to help the earth and the people living on it.

Also Read: Environmental Engineering Dissertation Topics

Topic. 9: Is financing Renewable energy costly?

Research Aim: The pivotal aim of the research will be to examine the costs that it would take to finance renewable energy for the masses. Many countries around the world still have no access to clean drinking water, electricity, and therefore technology. These are the main reasons why the countries are underdeveloped, and their inhabitants are below the poverty line.

Topic. 10: Mitigating climate change; can renewable energy help?

Research Aim: The research will evaluate the impact of renewable energy in helping mitigate climate change. It will analyse all key factors that can impeccably play a role in controlling the biggest problem posed to humans.

As the years pass by, the population of humans is also growing. More people means more land acquisition, more pollution, and more requirement for resources. In such a scenario, what is suffering the most is the climate. If it is not addressed today, it will become such a big problem that it will be impossible to handle it easily.

Topic. 11: Living Green: How many have access to Renewable energy

Research Aim: With time, the energy costs are increasing, so are the effects of global warming. It has become more important than ever to ensure living green: Using renewable energy. The main aim of the research would be to do a quantitative analysis of how many people have access to renewable energy.

Topic. 12: Understanding differences between renewable and alternative energy technology

Research Aim: Many people confuse renewable and alternative energy technology and therefore question if there is such thing as renewable energy technology. The research can explain and evaluate the differences between renewable and alternative technology so that people can use them without any doubt in their minds. Renewable energy can be constantly replenished, while alternative energy is an alternative energy source used instead of fossil fuel.

Also Read: Technology Dissertation Topics

Topic. 13: Is solar energy the way forward

Research Aim: There is a persistent controversy on the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. While some believe that it is of great benefit, it is the other way around for others.

The aim of the research will be to examine solar energy and weigh its pros and cons, and evaluate if it is going to predominate in the future. A qualitative analysis that includes surveying people’s opinions on social energy help clear this ambiguity.

Topic. 14: Approach towards renewable energy in 2030

Research Aim: The research will study the current national and international policies on renewable energy to sketch a draft on the approach towards renewable energy in 2030.  Qualitative discourse analysis can help figure out the key indicators that will prompt or prohibit a change in the upcoming years.

Topic. 15: Cost of solar energy in comparison to other renewable energy

Research Aim: The research will conduct a financial analysis on solar energy and draw a comparison against other renewable energy, i.e. hydro, biomass, tidal, and wind energy. It will evaluate the costs against different parameters and on different levels of technology.

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Topic. 16: Trends in Renewable energy

Research Aim: It is necessary to keep an eye on the current trends to make speculations about the future. The researcher can study the trends in renewable energy in 202o or 2021.  The research can also draw a comparison in the renewable trends in 2020 and 2021.

Topic. 17: Renewable energy and COVID-19

Research Aim: The research will study and explore the impacts of COVID-19 on renewable energy. It will also explain if the pandemic posed any systematic changes to trends and prospects of renewable energy.

Topic. 18: How does Geothermal energy work?

Research Aim: The research will explain a thorough explanation of how geothermal energy works and why it is more eco-friendly, economical, and valuable than fossil fuel. The researcher can describe describe the steps from scratch until it is utilised as alternative energy.

Topic. 19: Effects of renewable vs non-renewable energy

Research Aim: The researcher will empirically study the small and broad long-run effects of using renewable and non-renewable energy to create a comparison between them.

Topic. 20: A review of tidal energy technologies

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The Use of Optimization Techniques in Solar Energy

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Solar energy systems are considered one of the most important solutions to the continuous increase of global energy demand and environmental concerns. However, the high cost and limited energy conversion are still challenging aspects that need further investigation. Moreover, the intermittent nature of solar ...

Keywords : optimization, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, solar hybrid systems, AI methods, techno-economic assessment, environmental effects

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Solar Research: MSc theses

Ecosystem services and solar landscapes.

'Designing a multifunctional solar landscape near the Millingerwaard by deploying ecosystem services', Tine Lambert, 2022

The urgency of energy transition often leads to solutions that do not relate to the existing landscape, putting ecosystems under pressure. The challenge is to ensure that the implementation of renewable energy does not adversely affect ecosystem services, but instead improves them. This master’s thesis investigated how a multifunctional solar landscape near the Millingerwaard in the municipality of Berg and Dal (NL) can improve spatial quality through the deployment of the concept of ecosystem services. First, 16 spatial guidelines were obtained from the literature. Current ecosystem services in the area were analyzed, resulting in a map that shows the trade-offs, synergies and hotspots between ecosystem services and energy generation. Next, expert surveys were used to assess and value the spatial quality of various function combinations with PV. All findings were incorporated into a design which shows that a multifunctional solar landscape can bring about positive changes for spatial quality. The use of the different methods stimulates designing sustainable projects that connect people, energy and biodiversity, based on the synergy of different ecosystem services.

Energy on the Edge

'Building smart strategies for the uncertainties of energy and housing development on the edge of Nijmegen', Tim Kisner, 2022

Integration of energy transition with other societal goals is slowly becoming a more widespread approach. In recent years, combinations of energy with agriculture, nature and infrastructure have been proposed regularly. The combination of energy and these functions often implies a focus on the open landscape: outside the city, far from where the energy is consumed. This regularly leads to opposition. To spare these landscapes, opponents often suggest to ‘use every roof’ for solar energy generation. Although it is arguable whether this will satisfy the energy demand of the entire nation, locating energy generation near the user seems tangible and fair. To investigate the opportunities of bringing production and consumption together, this master thesis investigated the true integration of energy and housing development. An ‘Energy on the Edge’ approach is developed, reaching for integration beyond mere utilizing of roof space. The approach is employed to study synergies between energy and housing development at the western city edge of Nijmegen. Here, electricity production is used to stimulate housing development while coping with future uncertainties regarding both functions. Instead of ‘outsourcing’ energy development to the countryside, it is brought into the city. This master thesis establishes a new concept for living with renewable energy: Living in the Power Plant. The concept utilizes energy to improve urban landscape quality - a promising approach to address opposition to conventional, often monofunctional interventions for energy transition in our rural landscapes.

Forestvoltaics

'Photo Forestry - Exploring design principles for multifunctional carbon mitigation landscape development', Sam van den Oetelaar, 2022

Afforestation is becoming politically popular to boost biological carbon sequestration to reduce climate change effects. Similarly, the use of solar panels is also getting popular. In densely built and planned countries, multifunctionality of the landscape is a significant factor for the spatial quality of the landscape. Therefore, with an afforestation challenge that has large spatial implications, there is a need for proper forest design for climate, nature and human activities. This master examines the potential synergies between silviculture and renewable energy production. The research consists of two parts: [1] research for design (RFD) and [2] research through designing (RTD). RFD yielded 11 design considerations covering carbon sequestration, forest health, recreation and Forestvoltaics (FV) - a promising function combination between photovoltaic energy production and forest development. RTD yielded a landscape design in which an FV system is integrated in a multifunctional carbon mitigation landscape. Four general design principles are defined; they expand the knowledge base on designing multifunctional carbon mitigation landscapes. It is concluded that the FV system is suitable for creating synergies. However, the proposed concept is novel and conceptual, and additional studies are required to examine its full potential.

Empowering energy estates

'empowering energy estates: a new estate as a means for sustainable energy in wijhe, overijssel' joost andréa, 2021.

In order to realign and better embed renewable energy technologies in the landscape, inspiration is found with the estate (landgoed), as it is an integrative production landscape that unifies agricultural, cultural-historical, recreational, and ecological values. In the last decade several (suggestive) designs were made for ‘energy estates’ (energielandgoederen) in the Dutch landscape. Although a promising concept, the elaboration into design guidelines for specific landscape types is still lacking. This thesis has the objective to develop design guidelines for a sustainable energy estate in the landscape context of West Overijssel. It builds upon the existing knowledge of sustainable energy landscape design as well as the activation of the design knowledge embedded in the historical estate type that is found in the region. By a comparative case study, thirteen essential spatial characteristics of the this estate type were identified. The final design illustrates that it is indeed possible to employ the estate as a means for designing sustainable energy landscapes and that the estate type characteristics possess enough flexibility to adjust them to the contemporary program. 

Solarchipelago

'solarchipelago: designing energy transition in the ijmeer along ecosystem change' david de boer, 2020 climate change mitigation calls for a transition towards more sustainable energy sources. however, allocating the space for renewable energy technologies like pv systems in complex and dense metropolitan regions is no easy task. this is the case for the ijmeer between amsterdam and almere as well. the ijmeer is also an ecosystem under pressure. the objective of this research is to design an energy transition in the ijmeer that aligns with the way that ecosystems change, such as through the process of succession. a method of research through designing is used to come to useful design principles and guidelines. a design for the ijmeer was created using a modular approach. two modules are presented that combine both renewable energy generation as well providing an infrastructure for succession to occur. multiple stages of succession simultaneously present in these modules allow for more habitat diversity for flora and fauna. the modules performance is based on constant working principles but include variables as well to provide different system responses. the modules variables and composition can adapt to the characteristics of multiple areas of the ijmeer, while also supporting other metropolitan functions like infrastructure and urban expansion while providing renewable energy. the resulting design guidelines were evaluated together with the principles in the conclusion., not just another solar field, 'not just another solar field: a multifunctional energygarden for mastwijk, the netherlands' florian becker, 2020 by 2030, the regional energy strategy (res) u16 regio around utrecht demands to provide 3.6twh of renewable electricity. in more concrete terms, this means a surface of 3,600 hectares of solar fields that are arising in the landscape within the next nine years. though this goal might not be realistic, even the appearing of a single hectare of solar field in the landscape should not go without careful planning anymore. plenty of research has demonstrated that solar fields can host many additional functions without decreasing their productivity. especially in densely populated regions like the res u16, scarce surfaces should not simply be allocated to single function land uses. this master thesis builds upon existing knowledge on multifunctional solar fields to identify a set of design guidelines. these are combined with guidelines of garden design to inform the recent concept of energygardens. after forming a set of design guidelines, a fraction of them is tested in a design for an energygarden of mastwijk in the province of utrecht. the energygarden mastwijk is a real project, which is currently developed and planned to be implemented in 2022., the bright side of solar energy.

'The bright side of solar energy: How solar energy can be used as a tool to improve landscapes,' Coos van Ginkel, december 2019 It is estimated that roughly 30,000 hectares of solar fields will be required on land in the Netherlands by 2050. Landscape experts urge that this energy transition should not harm the existing landscape but rather be used to improve spatial quality. The objective of this project was to explore how an integral design for a 1,500ha multifunctional solar landscape in the Northwest Haarlemmermeer can improve the spatial quality of the region.

Eco solar corridor

'Eco solar corridor: Discovering the symbiotic strength of utility-scale solar energy systems and ecological networks in Brummen, the Netherlands,' Dominik Kriska, december 2019

While the need for utility-scale solar energy systems in landscapes is rising to reach the national climate goals, the rivalry with agriculture and the development of nature is increasing too. The combination of solar panels and agriculture was already tested in several projects, however the possible combination of solar energy with ecological networks has not been researched in depth yet. The objective of this research was to explore potential synergies arising from the implementation of solar fields in a gap of an ecological networks at Brummen, the Netherlands.

Circular urban energy park

'Circular urban energy park: Transformation of the Hemwegcentrale,' Yingzi Wang, augustus 2019

According to the recommendations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Netherlands need to achieve an 95% reduction of CO2 emissions by 2040 compared to 1990. One of the measures that are taken is the closure of powerplants running on fossil fuels, like the Hemwegcentrale in the harbour of Amsterdam. This project explored the potentials of the Hemwegcentrale area as a sustainable urban energy landscape, in the complex context of a dynamic urban development in the next two decades.

Perceiving without grieving

'Perceiving without grieving: shaping solar energy for an energy neutral Zeeburgereiland (Amsterdam),' Tom van Heeswijk, March 2016

Amsterdam decided that all new construction projects, from 2015 on, must be energy neutral by avoiding fossil fuels in building-related energy consumption, while increasing the energy efficiency. The neighbourhood Zeeburgereiland in Amsterdam is planned as a dynamic and attractive island for dwelling and recreation, which aims to be energy-neutral by promoting renewable energies. This thesis investigated which physical and psychological attributes influence people’s liking and disliking of renewable energy, consequently formulating implications for design that could account for public preference.

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The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds solar energy research and development efforts in seven main categories: photovoltaics, concentrating solar-thermal power, systems integration, soft costs, manufacturing and competitiveness, equitable access to solar energy, and solar workforce development. The R&D projects funded by SETO aim to improve the affordability, performance, and value of solar technologies on the grid. Learn more about SETO’s goals here .

Explore each of the research areas below and the research topics within them. You can also learn about the basics of solar energy  and find solar energy resources .

SETO Research Priorities and Highlights

Various publications from SETO explain the office’s activities, projects, and goals. Explore them below. Additionally, reports resulting from research projects can be found on the  Office of Science and Technical Information (OSTI) website .

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Solar Physics'

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Tress, Wolfgang. "Device Physics of Organic Solar Cells." Doctoral thesis, Saechsische Landesbibliothek- Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Dresden, 2012. http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bsz:14-qucosa-89501.

Gibbard, Seran Gwen 1967. "Lightning in the solar system." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/290640.

Potscavage, William J. Jr. "Physics and engineering of organic solar cells." Diss., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/39634.

Lewis, Jason Erik. "Device Physics of Solution Processable Solar Cells." Scholar Commons, 2011. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/3205.

Seeluangsawat, Paisa 1980. "Magnetic holes in the solar wind." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8536.

Kargel, Jeffrey Stuart. "Cryomagmatism in the outer solar system." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1990. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/185177.

Woolsey, Lauren. "Magnetic Influences on the Solar Wind." Thesis, Harvard University, 2016. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:33493537.

Griffitts, Fletcher G. "Fullerenes in Solar Energy Cells." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/honors/394.

Liang, Jianjun. "Device physics of hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells." Related electronic resource: Current Research at SU : database of SU dissertations, recent titles available full text, 2006. http://proquest.umi.com/login?COPT=REJTPTU0NWQmSU5UPTAmVkVSPTI=&clientId=3739.

Brenner, Thomas Johannes Konrad. "Device physics of bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells." Thesis, University of Cambridge, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.610312.

Klein, Kristopher Gregory. "The kinetic plasma physics of solar wind turbulence." Diss., University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5000.

Weidong, Yang. "Pupil phase apodization for achromatic imaging of extra-solar planets." Available online. Click here, 2004. http://services.lib.mtu.edu/etd/DISS/2004/Physics/yangw/diss.pdf.

Jungbluth, Anna S. B. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Demonstrating visibly transparent solar cells and photodetectors." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/111885.

Ghamande, Maithili. "Optical Modeling of Organic Photovoltaic Solar Cells." University of Akron / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1320329919.

Lysko, Meena Devi. "Measurement and Models of Solar Irradiance." Doctoral thesis, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Physics, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:no:ntnu:diva-779.

Solar radiation is the main driving force for the Earth’s weather and climate. It is also the prime source for renewable energy technologies.Solar energy technologies can satisfy the current energy demand and at the same time reduce anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. It follows from scientific and engineering research within the field that accurate terrestrial solar radiation data and derived models can improve the detection of longterm climate change, the validation of Earth radiation budget estimates, and the deployment of solar energy systems. But, accurate assessment of solar energy at the Earth’s surface is difficult due to spatial, temporal and angular variability. These variations emphasise the need for localised solar radiation measurements and models.

In light of the above, this work has aimed at improving the quality of radiation data at two specific locations; one in Trondheim, Norway and the other in Durban, South Africa. This has entailed the development of an automatic data logging system, and frequent radiometer calibrations with traceability to the World Radiometric Reference. In addition, a radiometer called the Direct-Diffuse Solar Radiometer has been developed for the mapping of sky radiance. Supplementary work has been done to re-affirm the need for quality ground-based data.

The work done is twofold, the first on the measurements of solar irradiance and the second on the implementation of solar radiation models. So, the presentation of the work is divided into two parts. Chapters 1 to 5 are included in Part A under the heading “Measurement of Solar Irradiance”. Chapters 6 is given in Part B, “Data Modelling”.

Chapter 1 describes the concept of solar irradiance, discusses the components of solar radiation and introduces the radiometers in common use for the measurements of solar irradiance. Motivations for the development of the Direct-Diffuse Solar Radiometer are also included.

Chapter 2 describes the radiation mapping at the two sites, with particular emphasis on methods implemented for higher accuracy sampling, data reliability and continuity.

Regular radiometer calibration is necessary to ensure the data quality. Therefore the methodology for and results from calibration of the site radiometers are given in Chapter 3.

The acquired direct and global data for the sites are presented in Chapter 4. Diurnal 1-minute variations are discussed along with estimates of monthly and annual trends, with particular emphasis on atmospheric transmittance and the clearness index.

The last chapter in Part A, i.e. Chapter 5, presents the work done on the Direct-Diffuse Solar Radiometer (DDSR-1B). The instrument is designed for measuring sky irradiance as well as direct solar irradiance. The DDSR-1B is a prototype ground based instrument which is mounted on a remotely controlled solar tracker/sky positioner. The Chapter discusses the DDSR- 1B’s design, control, calibration and field tests in detail.

Chapter 6 in Part B considers 2 available software products that can generate estimates of direct normal solar irradiances for any ground location. This chapter also concludes the work for this thesis by reemphasising the need for localised solar radiation measurements and models.

Finally, Chapter 7 collects the major conclusions given through the course of this text.

Loughman, Robert Paul 1971. "A detailed numerical description of the solar aureole." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1995. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/291355.

Woods, Kurt Wade. "Solar Energy Conversion and Control Using Organic Photovoltaic Cells." TopSCHOLAR®, 2013. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1315.

Cyr, Kimberly Ellen 1964. "The distribution of water in the solar nebula: Implications for solar system formation." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/288870.

Noel, Nakita K. "Advances in hybrid solar cells : from dye-sensitised to perovskite solar cells." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2014. https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:e0f54943-546a-49cd-8fd9-5ff07ec7bf0a.

Awan, G. R. "Cadmium telluride for solar cells." Thesis, Durham University, 1987. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/6852/.

Williams, Benjamin Luke. "CdTe nanowire structures for solar cells." Thesis, University of Liverpool, 2013. http://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/14653/.

Meyer, Aric. "Optical and Electrical Enhancement of Organic Solar Cells." NCSU, 2009. http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/theses/available/etd-07032009-113212/.

Kasper, Justin Christophe 1977. "Solar wind plasma : kinetic properties and micro-instabilities." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29937.

Szabo, Adam 1965. "The interaction of Neptune with the solar wind." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1993. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29865.

Murskyj, Mykola. "Testing the Leggett-Garg inequality with solar neutrinos." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/99279.

Granholm, T. (Teemu). "The population of centaurs in the Solar System." Bachelor's thesis, University of Oulu, 2018. http://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:oulu-201806282588.

Madanian, Hadi. "External Plasma Interactions with Nonmagnetized Objects in the Solar System." Thesis, University of Kansas, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10282984.

The absence of a protecting magnetic field, such as the dipole magnetic field around Earth, makes the interaction of solar wind with unmagnetized objects particularly interesting. Long-term evolution of the object’s surface and atmosphere is closely tied to its interaction with the outer space environment. The ionospheric plasma layer around unmagnetized objects acts as an electrically conducting transition layer between lower atmospheric layers and outer space. This study considers two distinct types of unmagnetized objects: Titan and comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P/CG). For many years, Titan has been a key target of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Cassini mission investigations; and the European Space Agency (ESA) Rosetta spacecraft explored comet 67P/CG for more than two years.

Ionospheric composition and primary ion production rate profiles for Titan are modeled for various solar activity conditions. Photoionization is the main source of ion production on the dayside; on the nightside, electron-impact ionization is the main ionization source. This dissertation uses model results and in-situ measurements by the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) and the Langmuir Probe (LP) onboard the Cassini spacecraft to show that while the solar activity cycle impacts the primary ion species significantly, there is little effect on heavy ion species. Solar cycle modulates the Titan’s ionospheric chemistry. The solar cycle effects of on each ion species are quantified n this work. In some cases the solar zenith angle significantly overshadows the solar cycle effects. How each individual ion reacts to changes in solar activity and solar zenith angle is discussed in details. A method to disentangle these effects in ion densities is introduced.

At comet 67P/CG, the fast-moving solar wind impacts the neutral coma. Two populations of electrons are recognizable in the cometary plasma. These are the hot suprathermal electrons, created by photoionization or electron-impact ionization, and the cold/thermal electrons. Even though photoionization is the dominant source of ion production, electron-impact ionization can be as high as the photoionization for certain solar events. At 3 AU, electron energy spectra from in-situ measurements of the Ion and Electron Sensor (IES) instrument exhibit enhancement of electron fluxes at particular energies. Model-data comparisons show that the flux of electrons is higher than the typical solar wind and pure photoionization fluxes. The probable cause of this enhancement is the ambipolar electric field and/or plasma compression.

This research also discusses formation of a new boundary layer around the comet near perihelion, similar to the diamagnetic cavity at comet 1P/Halley. At each crossing event to the diamagnetic cavity region, flux of suprathermal electrons with energies between 40 to 250 eV drops. The lower flux of solar wind suprathermal electrons in that energy range can cause this flux drop.

Alnajjar, Abdalla A. A. "Single crystal CdS/CdTe:P solar cells." Thesis, Durham University, 1992. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1174/.

Levens, Peter James. "Diagnostics of solar tornado-like prominences." Thesis, University of Glasgow, 2018. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/8684/.

Ryan, Patrick Thomas. "Methods for extra-solar planet searches." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/290663.

Volosevich, Alexandra, and Claudia-Veronika Meister. "Nonlinear electrostatic ion-acoustic waves in the solar atmosphere." Universität Potsdam, 2000. http://opus.kobv.de/ubp/volltexte/2007/1496/.

Brown, Patrick Richard. "Energy level engineering in colloidal quantum dot solar cells." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/104457.

Várnai, Tamás. "Reflection of solar radiation by inhomogeneous clouds." Thesis, McGill University, 1996. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=40459.

Lee, Daniel Thomas. "Three-dimensional topology of the magnetic field in the solar corona." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2018. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/25371/.

Walker, Andrew Philip. "The impact of sunspot rotation on solar flares." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2018. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/23606/.

Swalwell, Bill. "False alarms in the forecasting of Solar Energetic Particle events." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2018. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/23607/.

Zelina, Peter. "Multi-instrument studies of heavy ion solar energetic particle transport." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2017. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/20923/.

Hetzer, Michael. "Chemical and Electronic Characterization of Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide Thin Film Solar Cells and Correlation of these Characteristics to Solar Cell Operation." The Ohio State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1235494047.

Li, Xuanhua, and 李炫华. "Plasmonic-enhanced organic solar cells." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10722/197526.

Stevens, M. L. (MIchael Louis). "Magnetic reconnection physics in the solar wind with Voyager 2." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/53232.

Inglis, Andrew R. "Quasi-periodic pulsations in solar flares." Thesis, University of Warwick, 2009. http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/2762/.

Xu, He. "Laboratory studies on dynamical processes in salinity-gradient solar pond /." The Ohio State University, 1990. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1487677267731063.

Ekhagen, Sebastian. "Silicon solar cells: basics of simulation and modelling : Using the mathematical program Maple to simulate and model a silicon solar cell." Thesis, Karlstads universitet, Fakulteten för hälsa, natur- och teknikvetenskap (from 2013), 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kau:diva-62611.

Wang, Chuandao Charlie, and 王传道. "Organic solar cells towards high efficiency: plasmonic effects and interface engineering." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2012. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B48329654.

Al-Saab, Feras. "Chalcogenides for solar applications." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2015. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/379296/.

Fayock, Brian. "Analysis of solar Lyman-alpha scattering in the heliosphere." Thesis, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3559138.

Computational models of the global heliospheric interaction with the local interstellar medium have evolved to include very fine and complex physical details. While these models began from theory, the observations and measurements of various spacecraft have been able to provide comparisons to simulations over time, resulting in corrections, adjustments, or additions to certain aspects, and thus a better understanding of the problem. One aspect of great interest is the interaction of neutral hydrogen within the heliosphere. Its inclusion into models is quite complex and still in need of verification. The results of our model are able to provide such a verification.

With an interest in neutral hydrogen, Pioneer 10, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2 can provide a relative measure of the local density of hydrogen at the location of the spacecraft by means of Lyman-alpha intensity observations. Their continuous collection of data at increasing radii has revealed trends of decreasing intensity that can be analyzed and compared with radiative transfer simulations performed on neutral hydrogen distributions resulting from the global heliospheric models. Many simulations have been developed in the past, but none has been able to provide results that match the long-term trend, until now.

This thesis describes the analysis of Lyman-alpha radiation in the heliosphere by means of a new three-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer technique applied to the background neutral hydrogen distribution provided by a state-of-the-art three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic-neutral kinetic model, both of which have been developed within the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The results of backscatter intensity are compared directly to previously reduced Pioneer 10, Voyager 1, and Voyager 2 ultraviolet data sets, which describe the anti-solar intensity of Lyman-alpha radiation out to almost 50 astronomical units. The similarity between the slopes of the simulations and observations for each spacecraft suggest that the heliospheric model used to produce the background neutral hydrogen distribution contains a fairly accurate description of the inclusion of hydrogen as a group of kinetically interacting particles. Of particular value is the nearly perfect match to the Voyager 2 data.

Yokley, Zachary W. "Solar and Sterile Neutrino Physics with the Raghavan Optical Lattice." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/71330.

Wesenberg, Matthias. "Efficient finite-volume schemes for magnetohydrodynamic simulations in solar physics." [S.l. : s.n.], 2003. http://www.bsz-bw.de/cgi-bin/xvms.cgi?SWB10673725.

GUASTAVINO, SABRINA. "Learning and inverse problems: from theory to solar physics applications." Doctoral thesis, Università degli studi di Genova, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11567/998315.

Andersson, Lars Mattias. "Electronic Transport in Polymeric Solar Cells and Transistors." Doctoral thesis, Linköping : Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-10380.

PhD thesis projects offered

All partner institutes in the Solar System School (Institute for Astrophysics and Geophysics, Geoscience Center, and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research) may offer and support PhD projects in the Solar System School. The PhD topics are as diverse as the research fields of the participating partner institutions. The topics include all areas of our own Solar system (the Sun and its planets and minor bodies), embedded in the wider geo- and astrophysical context, and extend to other stars and their planetary systems. Correspondingly, the following disciplines in geo- and astrophysics are represented in the Solar System School: Earth and planetary sciences, Solar and stellar physics, helioseismology, asteroseismology, and to some extent extra-solar planets. Since the methods of research comprise instrumentation development, calibration and improvement , ground- and space-based observations, remote-sensing or in-situ measurements in space exploration missions, data analysis and interpretation, numerical simulations and theoretical modeling, some projects may additionally require good skills in programming, in mathematics, or in engineering.

Supervising scientists without a universitiy affiliation share the supervision with faculty members. A Thesis Advisory Committee guides the student through the preparation period and monitors her/his work. The committee consists of the thesis advisor and two other faculty or senior staff members of the institutes involved in the Solar System School. At least one of the members must be a full professor at the University of Göttingen, or at another university at which the student is enrolled.

The following list gives an overview of the variety of research topics, but is not necessarily complete. Further projects may yet become available: This list still is updated from time to time. Please check the list again before submitting your application. Applications may be submitted between 1 August and 1 October.

Open PhD Projects

• Planetary Science
• Sun and Heliosphere
• Solar and Stellar Interiors

Sulfur on Mercury and on reduced protoplanets

Analytical geo-/cosmochemistry applied to BepiColombo-Mission to Mercury data more

Open PhD Project: Data Analysis

The magnetic field in the solar atmosphere exceeds the geomagnetic field strength by four orders of magnitude. It greatly influences the processes of energy transport within the solar atmosphere, and dominates the morphology of the solar chromosphere and corona. Kinetic energy from convective motions in the Sun can be efficiently stored in magnetic fields and subsequently released - to heat the solar corona to several million degrees or to blast off coronal mass ejections. more

Open PhD Project: Instrumentation

The MPS is one of the leading institutes worldwide in building instruments for solar research, both for ground based observatories as well as for balloon and space-borne missions. Scientists and engineers of MPS conceive new observing methods and develop novel instruments of highest technological complexity. These instruments are built in house, tested, calibrated, and used at the best solar observatories in the world, or delivered to NASA and ESA to be launched to space. more

Study time series of solar active regions with sequences of magneto-hydro-static equilibria

Interaction of sound waves with Solar granulation

Hydrodynamic simulations of near surface convection and waves in the Sun and stars more

Solar accretion disk dynamics – the record from chondrites

“Space sediments” hold isotopic clues for reconstructing early solar system evolution more

The genetic heritage of late accretion to the Earth-Moon system

Isotopic investigation of the materials impacting the terrestrial planets after their formation more

"Other" and "Own" PhD projects

For PhD students whose project is already funded and who are applying for admission to the IMPRS, or for applicants who want to bring their own funding and their own project idea to the IMPRS. more

Open PhD Projects in the SLAM Group

The Solar Lower Atmosphere and Magnetism (SLAM) group covers many exciting subjects in solar physics, focussing on the development and testing of highly novel solar instrumentation, reduction and analysis of highest quality solar observations, or improving and developing advanced techniques for the analysis of solar observations. more

Deciphering the solar spectrum

Inversion codes are used to aid the detailed interpretation of solar spectro-polarimetric data. This computer code attempts to find the atmospheric structure that produced an observed spectrum by minimizing the difference between the observed spectrum and a Stokes spectrum. more

Open PhD Projects: Solar and Stellar Interiors

In the "Solar and Stellar Interiors" department, Laurent Gizon, Jesper Schou, Aaron Birch, Robert Cameron and others offer PhD projects in solar physics and astrophysics. Helioseismology and asteroseismology are used as important tools to study the oscillating Sun and stars. more

Other Interesting Articles

Scientific data analysis models for SWI onboard the JUICE mission to Jupiter

Understanding the JUICE/SWI instrument characteristics and the radiation intensity that the SWI instrument will receive from Jupiter’s icy moons

Volatile element delivery to the terrestrial planets – constraints from isotope anomalies

Cosmochemical investigations on the heritage of volatiles in Earth, Mars, and the Moon

Long-period oscillations control the Sun’s differential rotation

High-latitude long-period oscillations provide a feedback mechanism that limits the Sun’s pole-to-equator differential rotation.

Historical Sunspots: One, two, three … and Counting

In analyzing solar observations from the 19th century, scientists are turning to amateur researchers for help. The project will allow to better understand the history of our star.

Student funding

Doctoral candidates joining the Solar System School are offered attractive funding, clear prospects and optimal career conditions. IMPRS-funded students receive a three-year doctoral support contract at 65% pay level. Additional funds are available for travel to international conferences. Following their PhD period, graduates are offered postdoc wrap-up funding.

Award for MPS Director

Two scientific associations have awarded Prof. Dr. Thorsten Kleine the title "Geochemistry Fellow" for his contributions to the understanding of how the Solar System was formed.

IMPRS "Solar System School" Retreat 2023

01 - 06 October 2023

The impact of Earth’s mantle on geomagnetic field reversals

Numerical simulations to better understand the complete reversals of the geodynamo dipole

IMPRS students Löschl, Albert and Sinjan co-author joint SO/PHI-HR and SDO publication

Astronomical teamwork: By combining data from Solar Orbiter and SDO, a group of researchers has unambiguously determined the magnetic field at the solar surface.

International Awards for Yuto Bekki

With the help of computer simulations, the MPS researcher described the properties of the long-period oscillations of the Sun.

Analytical geo-/cosmochemistry applied to BepiColombo-Mission to Mercury data

PhD in Solar System science: Apply by 1 October 2023

Call for applications: PhD positions in planetary science, solar physics, stellar physics, with a starting date in September 2024, at the IMPRS in Göttingen.

Suggestions or feedback?

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• Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

Q&A: Tips for viewing the 2024 solar eclipse

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On Monday, April 8, the United States will experience a total solar eclipse — a rare astronomical event where the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the sun’s light almost completely. The last total solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. was in 2017, and the next one won’t be until 2044.

If the weather cooperates, people across the United States — from northeastern Maine to southwestern Texas — will be able to observe the eclipse using protective eyewear. Those in the path of totality , where the moon entirely covers the sun, will have the best view, but 99% of people in the continental U.S. will be able to see a partial eclipse. Weather permitting, those on the MIT campus and the surrounding area will see 93 percent of the sun covered, with the partial eclipse starting at 2:15 p.m. and reaching its peak around 3:29 p.m. Gatherings are planned at the Kresge Oval and the MIT Museum , and a live NASA stream will be shown in the Building 55 atrium .

Brian Mernoff , manager of the CommLab in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is an accomplished astrophotographer and science educator. Mernoff is headed to Vermont with his family to experience the totality from the best possible angle — but has offered a few thoughts on how to enjoy the eclipse safely, wherever you are.

Q: What should viewers expect to see and experience with this solar eclipse?

A: When you’re watching TV (the sun) and your toddler, dog, or other large mammal (the moon) blocks your view, you no doubt move over a bit to try to get a partial or full view of the TV. This is exactly how the path of totality works for an eclipse. If you are exactly in line with the moon and sun, it will be completely blocked, but if you start moving away from this path, your view of the sun will start to increase until the moon is not in the way at all.

The closer you are to the path of totality, the more of the sun will be blocked. At MIT, about 93 percent of the sun will be blocked. Those in the area will notice that things around you will get slightly darker, just like when it starts to become overcast. Even so, the sun will remain very bright in the sky and solar glasses will be required to view the entirety of the eclipse. It really goes to show how incredibly bright the sun is!

Within the narrow path of totality, the moon will continue to move across the sun, reaching 100 percent coverage. For this short period of time, you can remove your glasses and see a black disk where the sun should be. Around the disk will be wispy white lines. This is the corona, the outermost part of the sun, which is normally outshone by the sun’s photosphere (surface). Around the edges of the black disk of the moon, right as totality begins and ends, you can also see bright spots around the edges, known as Bailey’s Beads, caused by sunlight shining between mountains and craters on the moon.

But that’s not all! Although you will be tempted to stare up at the sun throughout totality, do not forget to observe the world around you. During totality, it feels like twilight. There is a 360-degree sunset, the temperature changes rapidly, winds change, animals start making different sounds, and shadows start getting weird (look into “shadow bands” if you have a chance).

As soon as totality ends, and you start to see Baily’s Beads again, put your solar glasses back on as it will get very bright again very fast as the moon moves out of the way.

Q: What are the best options for viewing the eclipse safely and to greatest effect?

A: No matter where you are during the eclipse, make sure you have solar glasses. These glasses should be ISO-approved for solar viewing. Do not use glasses with scratches, holes, or other damage.

If you are unable to obtain solar glasses in time, you can safely view the eclipse using a home-made projection method , such as a pinhole camera or even projecting the image of the sun through a colander.

The best view of the eclipse will be from within the path of totality, but even if you are not within it, you should still go outside to experience the partial eclipse. Use the NASA Eclipse Explorer to find the start, maximum, and end times, and then find a nice spot outside — preferably with some shade — put on your glasses, and enjoy the show.

For a closer view of the sun, find a friend that has a telescope with the correct ISO-certified solar filter. This will let you see the photosphere (or chromosphere if it is an H-alpha scope) in a lot more detail. If you do not have access to a telescope, NASA plans to livestream a telescope view throughout the eclipse. [The livestream will be displayed publicly on a large screen in Building 55 at MIT, rain or shine.]

The only time you can look at or image the sun without a filter is during 100 percent totality. As soon as this period is done, glasses and filters must be put back on.

After the eclipse, keep your glasses and filters. You can use them to look at the sun on any day (it took me an embarrassing amount of time to realize that I could use the glasses at any time instead of lugging out a telescope). On a really clear day, you can sometimes see sunspots!

Q: How does eclipse photography work?

A: This year I plan to photograph the eclipse in two ways. The first is using a hydrogen-alpha telescope. This telescope filters out all light except for one wavelength that is given off by hydrogen. Because it blocks out most of the light from the sun’s surface, it allows you to see the turbulent upper atmosphere of the sun, including solar prominences that follow magnetic field lines.

Because this telescope does not allow for imaging during totality as too much light is blocked, I also plan to set up a regular camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the total eclipse with the surrounding environment as context. During the 2017 eclipse, I only captured close-ups of the sun using a regular solar filter and missed the opportunity to capture what was going on around me.

Will it work? That depends on if we get clear skies, and how many pictures of my 1.5-year-old need to be taken (as well as how much chasing needs to be done).

If you would like to take pictures of the eclipse, make sure you protect your camera sensor. The sun can easily damage lenses, sensors, and other components. Here are some examples of solar damaged cameras . The solution is simple, though. If using a camera phone, you can take pictures through an extra pair of solar glasses, or even tape them to the phone. For cameras with larger lenses, you can buy cardboard filters that slide over the front of your camera or even buy ISO-approved solar film and make your own.

Q: Any fun, unique, cool, or interesting science facts about this eclipse to share?

A: If you want to get even more involved with the eclipse, there are many citizen science projects that plan to collect as much data as possible throughout the eclipse.

NASA is planning to run several experiments during the eclipse , and researchers with MIT Haystack Observatory will also be using four different technologies to monitor changes in the upper atmosphere , both locally and across the continent.

If you are interested in learning more about the eclipse, here are two of my favorite videos, one on “ unexpected science from a 0.000001 megapixel home-made telescope ” and one on solar eclipse preparation .

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Nothing true under the sun: Why solar eclipses are a breeding ground for conspiracy theories

Experts explain why astronomical events are frequently fraught with conspiracy theories and magical thinking, by nicole karlis.

As a total  solar eclipse approaches North America on April 8, Americans are gearing up for a spectacular celestial event. But some individuals are using the eclipse as a way to float unhinged conspiracy theories. 

Alex Jones, for example, is claiming that the government is planning to use the event as a practice run for declaring martial law during the eclipse, which will allegedly be enacted if former president Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election. And of course, it’s not just Jones. As Quartz reports, there are quite a few people on TikTok claiming the solar eclipse will mark the end of the world, drawing nonsensical parallels to biblical events. And apparently Carbondale, Illinois (population 25,000) is predicted to be doomsday's epicenter, because it sits the center of an X of the totality paths from both this year's eclipse and the one that graced North America in 2017.

But like Miranda Priestly once said: "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." The same can be said for conspiracy theories for a total solar eclipse. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly. In fact, humanity has a long history of stirring up conspiracy theories around the time of a solar eclipse — and this year is no different. 

“There are so many of them,” cult mediation specialist, Patrick Ryan, told Salon in a phone interview. “There are the purveyors like Alex Jones, who make money off these, then religious folks, who put together a story that can somehow make sense of the world, and it's not new.” 

Indeed, apocalyptic beliefs circling around a solar eclipses have existed since the beginning of mankind.

"When unexpectedly the sun went away in the middle of the day, of course that was seen as a sign from the heavens that we were doing something wrong on Earth."

According to NASA , one of the oldest recorded eclipses in human history may have been on Nov. 30, 3340 BCE, as petroglyphs were found at the Loughcrew Megalithic Monument in County Meath, Ireland. While little is known about what they understood about the solar eclipses back then, various religious and historical texts have mentioned them. In the Book of Joel, it is written "the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,” before the lord comes — which has continuously been interpreted that solar eclipses can be a sign of end times. As journalist David Baron wrote in his book, A merican Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World : “For millennia, total solar eclipses have awed, frightened and inspired.”

“This certainly goes back to ancient times before we understood what was happening,” Baron told Salon. “When unexpectedly the sun went away in the middle of the day, of course that was seen as a sign from the heavens that we were doing something wrong on Earth."

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Baron said that back in the sixth century BCE, there was a war that had been going on in Asia Minor for six years.

“When the soldiers saw the sun go away in the middle of the day, they took this as a sign that they needed to lay down their weapons,” he said. 

In 1878, an eclipse prompted similar fears of end times. While a lot of the world knew what to expect, some people in a small town in Texas didn't know the eclipse was coming. A frightened a man who thought the world was ending killed himself and his son because he didn’t want to see the end of the world. But now people know what’s going on, and what to expect. And we've seen conspiracy theories come and go. Why do they still persist?

“A total solar eclipse is the most awe-inspiring spectacle in all of nature,” Baron said. “It puts you in touch with just how tiny and insignificant we are in the face of forces.”

People are frequently looking for more meaning in life and such a big event like the total solar eclipse can make people feel quite small and insignificant in the world. 

The scale of the solar system and our universe can boggle the mind, he added. When witnessing a total solar eclipse, it can put people in touch with the “majesty of nature” that doesn’t compare to other big events. For people who are prone to magical thinking and conspiracy theories, it’s not hard to see how one can jump from a total solar eclipse to conspiracy theory land. Ryan, who works with people who are recovering from cults, said people are frequently looking for more meaning in life and such a big event like the total solar eclipse can make people feel quite small and insignificant in the world. 

“If we have this special knowledge that we've gained, that these things mean something specific, then we're part of an elite group of people,” Ryan explained. “Those are the things that drive these; it’s just like QAnon and all the other conspiracies that we've been faced with.”

Research published in the journal Psychological Bulletin recently, found that those who were prone to conspiracy theories were more likely to be insecure, paranoid, emotionally volatile and impulsive — but it's not just personality traits that make people more vulnerable. Baron said it's important to remember the facts. 

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“But when you think about it, from the perspective of the clockwork of our universe, it's nothing more than the alignment of three bodies,” Baron said. “The earth, the moon and the sun, and a shadow being cast on the earth — that’s it.” 

Baron added that almost every total eclipse sees narratives of end times. But that’s not necessarily the majority.

“I think they tend to get attention because they're saying things that are a little outlandish,” he said. The best strategy, Ryan said, is to just kindly ignore people with conspiracy theories around the total solar eclipse and not take them too seriously.

“Arguing with people that hold those beliefs, I don't think it's helpful,” he said. “I think the main thing is to show them respect; unless somebody is going to do something horrible to themselves when it comes, it’s going to be an hour and it’s going to be gone.”

about astronomy

• Orange is the new black hole: "Milestone" discovery of Milky Way vortex reveals freaky spirals
• Why alien life could be thriving on the "terminator line" of exoplanets
• Astronomers gain new understanding of how galaxies age and form into spiral shapes

Nicole Karlis is a senior writer at Salon, specializing in health and science. Tweet her @nicolekarlis .

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What's so special about the solar eclipse? You have to see it to believe it.

When events like an eclipse happen, they bring to the forefront how we're just one planet hurtling through this never-ending void..

It’s hard to believe it was already seven years ago, because the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017 , still feels like a fresh memory. With the next total eclipse happening Monday in many parts of the country, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I witnessed.

The path of totality crossed over Salem, Oregon, where I grew up and where my parents still live. So I made sure to plan a visit during that time. 

I figured it would be something special to see. And it was, putting it mildly.

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest with natural beauty all around, I’ve always loved nature and enjoying the great outdoors. When camping as a kid, some of my favorite memories are getting up in the night and being dazzled by the tapestry of stars overhead. 

Yet, the idea of space and the seemingly infinite number of planets and stars is unsettling. It makes one feel so insignificant and small. 

When events like an eclipse happen, they bring to the forefront how we’re just one planet hurtling through this never-ending void. 

So I was expecting to feel something along those lines. I did, but I hadn’t anticipated just how breathtaking it would be. 

What's it like to watch a solar eclipse?

On a hot (thankfully clear!) summer morning, we watched the whole thing from my parents’ backyard. The colors around us changed as the moon covered more of the sun. It was like observing a sunset in fast motion. 

That moment, though, when totality occurred (when the moon fully covers the sun) was simply beautiful, with the light of the sun’s corona dancing in the sky. I don’t think I took my eyes from it the entire 2 1/2 minutes. 

What happen if you look at the eclipse? Why the total solar eclipse is as eye-damaging as it is eye-catching.

My parents and husband saw it with me, and I recently asked them what the experience was like from their perspective.

“It was a whole lot cooler than I thought it was going to be,” says my hard-to-impress husband. He remembers the stars coming out and then the birds beginning to sing as if it were dawn. “It was awesome.” 

My dad recalls it as “wondrous” and “delightful,” especially because he got to see it from his own yard and didn't have to contend with the flocks of people who had descended on our state. 

My mom had more mixed feelings. “It felt like we were being plunged into never-ending darkness,” she recalls. Once the sun began to emerge again, she felt better.

We all describe the eclipse as unforgettable. 

It's a frog! It's a demon! Actually, it's a solar eclipse.

A once-in-a-lifetime event for many

Part of what makes a total solar eclipse so special is that it's rare. When such events happen over large swaths of the country – as was the case in 2017 and will be on Monday – it’s a bonding experience for millions of Americans. 

The excitement and buildup ahead of this year’s eclipse and the fact so many of us will watch it at the same time is reminiscent of a celestial Super Bowl.

In 2017, NASA estimates , more than 200 million U.S. adults viewed the eclipse either in person or electronically. 

Monday’s eclipse has the potential to reach an even wider swath of the country because of where it will arc, starting in Texas and ending in Maine. And totality will last longer this time – up to more than four minutes . 

According to Scientific American , from 1924 to 2023, only 13 total solar eclipses crossed the contiguous United States or Alaska. In the next 100 years, just 11 will be visible.

After Monday, the next total eclipse that will cross a wide swath of the United States does not occur until 2045.

My nieces and nephews will be in 'smack middle' of path of totality

This year, I will unfortunately not be in the path of totality. But my brother and his family in Texas will be. (I'm crossing my fingers Mother Nature cooperates for them to see it clearly .)

I called my nieces and nephews this week to see what they think about getting to watch the eclipse. Monday will be their first total solar eclipse, although last fall they saw the annular eclipse , which is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth but when it is at or near its farthest point from Earth. 

Here’s what the kids had to say:

Avila, age 14 : “I’ll be very excited to be able to see a full eclipse instead of a partial one. This will be particularly interesting to be able to see the effects in the sky and in the shadows, especially with so many trees around.”

Avila, who is very artistic, recalls the light from the annular eclipse in October as very “startling”: “All of the trees down the street and in our yard started to cast the most unusual and weird shadows.”

Lily, age 12 : “I haven’t seen a full eclipse, and it sounds really exciting.”

Campion, age 10 : “Our house is so perfect. We’re in the smack middle of it, so it’s going to be pitch black except the cool thing is that on the horizon it will be like a giant ring.” 

Benedict, age 8 : “It turns out the whole sky turns black when it passes over us. Isn’t that amazing? We’re going to be in the smack middle.” 

Gerard, age 5 , wasn’t as keen to talk to me about this, but he did ask his mom if he would have to go to bed during the day because it will get dark. 

They all promised to send me photos and videos to document their first ever total eclipse, and I look forward to seeing it through their eyes. 

Wherever you are, I hope you, too, can experience this magnificent event.

Ingrid Jacques is a columnist at USA TODAY. Contact her at [email protected] or on X, formerly Twitter: @ Ingrid_Jacques