Personal profile
Research overview
My main research is in mathematical modelling of phenomena found on the Sun. The modelling involves both numerical and analytical work along with supercomputer simulations. Presently my main interest is in developing models for the evolution of the Sun's local and global magnetic field and predicting how eruptive phenomena on the Sun may affect the earth.
Research interests
My research interests are in Solar Physics, Computational MHD and supercomputer simulations.
The objects on the Sun that I study in detail are: Solar Prominences, Coronal Mass Ejections. Sun's Open Flux and the Evolution of the Sun Large Scale Magnetic Field. These phenomena may have direct consequences for the earth when eruptions occur on the Sun. Such effects include the loss of satellites.
The main aim of my research is to construct predicitive 3D global models that will determine when eruptions will occurs on the Sun so that we may have prior warning.
Future research
Obtaining predictive models for the onset of Coronal Mass Ejections.
Develope a full MHD code in spherical geometry.
Long term simulations of the Suns global magnetic field.
Academic/Professional Qualification
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Similarities and differences between non-linear force-free fields produced by evolution and extrapolation techniques
Mackay, D. H., 12 Jan 2026, In: Solar Physics. 301, 1, 34 p., 8.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Investigating the possible contribution of helicity condensation to the ambient increase in solar open flux
Klowss, J. J. & Mackay, D. H., 1 Jul 2025, In: Astrophysical Journal. 987, 1, 22 p., 32.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
Quantifying when and where strong magnetic skew forms in a data-driven global non-potential model of the solar corona I: production and persistence of skew
Reid, J., Mackay, D. H. & Upton, L. A., 1 Sept 2025, In: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. 542, 3, p. 2184-2210 27 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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On the physical nature of the so-called prominence tornadoes
Gunár, S., Labrosse, N., Luna, M., Schmieder, B., Heinzel, P., Kucera, T. A., Levens, P. J., López Ariste, A., Mackay, D. H. & Zapiór, M., 1 Jun 2023, In: Space Science Reviews. 219, 4, 40 p., 33.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open AccessFile -
A comparison of global magnetofrictional simulations of the 2015 March 20 solar eclipse
Mackay, D. H. & Upton, L., 1 Nov 2022, In: Astrophysical Journal. 939, 1, 22 p., 9.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile
Datasets
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Quantifying the Importance of an L4 or L5 Magnetograph for Modelling the Global Solar Magnetic Field (thesis data)
Vaseekar, A. C. (Creator), Mackay, D. H. (Supervisor) & Neukirch, T. (Supervisor), University of St Andrews, 18 Mar 2025
DOI: 10.17630/a17ab77f-5697-452d-bef4-9246b82b68ed
Dataset: Thesis dataset
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Projects
- 19 Finished
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Solar and Magnetospheric Plasmas: Solar and Magnetospheric Plasmas: Theory and Application
Neukirch, T. (PI), Archontis, V. (CoI), De Moortel, I. (CoI), Hood, A. (CoI), Mackay, D. (CoI), Parnell, C. (CoI) & Wright, A. (CoI)
Science & Technology Facilities Council
1/04/22 → 31/03/25
Project: Standard
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StAn Space Weather Active Region Monitor: S2WARM : St Andrews Space Weather Active Region Monitor
Mackay, D. (PI)
1/12/20 → 30/06/21
Project: Standard
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S2WARM : St Andrews Space Weather Active: S2WARM : St Andrews Space Weather Active Region Monitor
Mackay, D. (PI)
Science & Technology Facilities Council
1/10/19 → 30/06/20
Project: Standard
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WholeSun ERC Project: H2020 ERC Synergy Grant Whole Sun Project
Archontis, V. (PI), Archontis, V. (PI), Hood, A. (Researcher), Mackay, D. (Researcher) & Syntelis, P. (Researcher)
1/05/19 → 30/04/25
Project: Standard
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Solar and Magnetospheric: Solar and Magnetospheric Magnetohydrodynamics and Plasmas: Theory and Application
Hood, A. (PI), Archontis, V. (CoI), De Moortel, I. (CoI), Mackay, D. (CoI), Neukirch, T. (CoI), Parnell, C. (CoI) & Wright, A. (CoI)
Science & Technology Facilities Council
1/04/19 → 31/03/22
Project: Standard
Activities
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US Airforce DOCFM 18
Mackay, D. H. (Participant)
22 Aug 2018 → …Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in or organising a workshop, seminar, course
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Solar Orbiter: Synergy between Observations and Theory
Mackay, D. H. (Participant)
10 Nov 2017Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in or organising a workshop, seminar, course
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NASA FLux Rope Workshop
Mackay, D. H. (Participant)
16 Aug 2016 → 19 Aug 2016Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in or organising a workshop, seminar, course
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European Space Agency (External organisation)
Mackay, D. H. (Participant)
2016 → …Activity: Membership types › Membership of peer review panel or committee
Prizes
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Royal Astronomical Society, Folwer Prize. Awarded in the area of Astronomy, Solar System Science and Geophysics for the most distinguished early career in the first 10 years after completing the PhD.
Mackay, D. H. (Recipient), 2006
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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