Dr Charlotte Proverbs
Charlotte is a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Lancashire's Jeremiah Horrock's Institute (JHI), and is a member of the JHI's solar physics research group. She works on measuring the rotation and dynamics of sunspots on the photosphere using observations from the Solar Dynamics Observatory.
Charlotte's current role is research based, and she focuses on determining whether sunspot dynamics (such as rotation and shear) are able to inject enough energy into the Sun's magnetic field to account for the energy released during solar flares or coronal mass ejections.
To achieve this, she has created a statistical sample of active regions using photospheric continuum data from the Solar Dynamic Observatory's Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager. Charlotte has presented this work to international audiences, including at the SDO 2025 Science Workshop in Boulder, Colorado.
Alongside research, Charlotte also actively participates in outreach activities. She is a member of the award-winning SUN team, and has supported the Lancashire Science Festival and the Orkney International Science Festival on multiple occasions. She also supports free observatory tours and observing evenings at Alston Observatory throughout the year.
Charlotte completed her MPhys in Astrophysics at Aberystwyth University in 2021, and completed her PhD in Solar Physics at the University of Lancashire in 2025. Charlotte became a Postdoctoral Research Assistant at the University of Lancashire following her PhD.
- PhD Solar Physics, University of Lancashire 2025
- MPhys (Hons) Astrophysics, Aberystwyth University 2021
- Sir Arthur Clarke Award for Space Achievement by an Education and Outreach Team, 2023/2024
- Solar physics
- Sunspots
- Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Member of the Institute of Physics
- Affiliated Member of the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky
Charlotte's research concentrates on solar physics, in particular the motions of sunspots on the solar photosphere and the associated phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections. The solar magnetic field can break through the 'surface' of the sun and reach into the solar atmosphere in active regions. Typically these regions will manifest as darker and cooler regions on the photosphere, known as sunspots.
As the magnetic field evolves, the sunspots move and rotate, building up and storing energy in the system, which can be released by a solar flare or coronal mass ejection. Determining the relationship between sunspot motions and solar events could aid in space weather prediction.
Use the links below to view their profiles:
- Solar Group
- Jeremiah Horrocks Institute for Mathematics, Physics and Astrophysics
- Rotation of Sunspots
- University of Lancashire Public Engagement Fund PI, 2025
- RAS Grant for Education and Outreach PI, 2024
- RAS Grant for Conference Travel PI, 2024
- University of Lancashire QR ERC Outreach Grant Co-I, 2024
- UK Solar Physics Community Meeting, 2025
- SDO Science Workshop, 2025
- Communicating Astronomy with the Public Conference, 2024
- National Astronomy Meeting, 2023
- Solar Orbiter Summer School, 2022
Telephone:+44 (0)1772 893161
Email: Email:Dr Charlotte Proverbs
Use the links below to view their profiles: