Dr Helen Mason, Head of the Atomic Astrophysics Group in the University’s Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics is co-author of a study showing the mechanism behind explosive energy releases in the Sun’s atmosphere and providing evidence for a new theory about how solar flares are created. For the full story see: http://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/first-sightings-of-solar-flare-phenomena-confirm-3d-models-of-space-weather