Scientific Visitors

The HAO division consists of four primary research areas; Atmosphere, Ionosphere and Magnetosphere (AIM), Lower Solar Atmosphere (LSA), Corona and Helioshpere (C&H), and Solar Interior and Variability (SIV). Each quadrant in the image above contains a picture representing science that is currently taking place in each of these research areas. Please click on any of the above images for more information on that particular image.

Fields Of Research

HAO conducts research in the areas of the solar interior, lower solar atmosphere, corona and heliosphere, and terrestrial and planetary atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. Radiative transfer, hydrodynamics, magnetohydrodynamics, radiation hydrodynamics, and plasma physics are pursued for both their fundamental physical interests and their applications in the above areas of research. Visitors will have access to the HAO Linux/Unix computers, NCAR super computer system (link to CISL), and the HAO and NCAR libraries and data archives ( link to UCAR library).

Appointees will be expected to pursue research in collaboration with members of the scientific staff and other long- term visitors in these areas.

Terms Of Appointment

Scientific Visitors are established researchers visiting HAO from their home institution. The term of appointment ranges from a few days to a year (this includes sabbatical visits), depending upon the collaborative research being propoosed, and may occur at any time during the year. Scientific Visitors are expected to work at HAO in Boulder, Colorado, with the exception of required time spent participating in field research and observing programs. Scientific Visitors generally receive travel support. Also, certain employee benefits are available in accordance with NCAR policy, and NCAR will provide assistance in locating Boulder accommodations.

How To Apply

The following will comprise a complete application:

  • a vita summarizing education and work experience;
  • a list of all scientific publications;
  • a list of computing and other resources requested, and a statement regarding financial needs;
  • a letter of support from HAO staff contact;

Application material should be sent to:

Amy Knack, knack@ucar.edu
HAO Visitor Committee
High Altitude Observatory
National Center for Atmospheric Research
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307-3000, U.S.A.

Considerations of long-term visitor applications will be made continuously throughout the year. Long-term applicants should submit a brief memo stating their interests, proposed staff member or collaborator(s), dates of the visit, and specific requests for resources, both financial and computational.

Visitor appointments will be made on the basis of proven scientific ability and relevance to planned HAO research programs. Further details may be obtained by writing to the above address, sending e-mail to
Amy Knack, or faxing Dr. Mausumi Dikpati at (303) 497-1512.

-Revised 16 January 2009 by whawkins@ucar.edu.