DR. NISHANT SINGH

Using the data from observations with the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) aboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), we show for three active regions (ARs) that, at large latitudinal wavenumbers, the solar surface mode (f-mode) displays strengthening already about two days prior to AR formation. This has potential applications for space weather forecasting as these ARs are the footpoints of the solar flare occurrences which have direct relevance for us if pointed towards the Earth. Therefore the prediction of space weather is an important goal in solar physics, and has consequences for aviation, satellite technology, manned space flight, and power grids on Earth.