Dana Longcope

Dana Longcope is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Montana State University's College of Letters & Science, where he is a prominent member of the MSU Solar Physics Group, one of the world's most prominent producers of information about the Sun. His research focuses on solar physics, particularly the corona, solar flares, magnetic reconnection, and plasma physics. Longcope teaches advanced courses including PHSX 594 Sem: Heliophysics Journal Club, PHSX 565 Astrophysical Plasma Physics, and PHSX 520 Electromagnetic Theory.

• Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University (1993)
• B.S. in Applied and Engineering Physics from Cornell University (1986)

Professor Longcope's research centers on the fundamental processes governing solar activity, with particular emphasis on magnetic reconnection in solar flares and coronal heating mechanisms. His work combines theoretical modeling with observational data to understand energy transport during solar eruptions, chromospheric condensation phenomena, and the three-dimensional structure of magnetic fields in active regions. He investigates how magnetic energy is converted to thermal and kinetic energy during solar flares, with implications for space weather prediction and fundamental plasma physics. His research has significant applications for understanding stellar atmospheres and plasma behavior under extreme conditions.

The analysis of Longcope's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on magnetic reconnection as the fundamental driver of solar flare energy release. His work increasingly integrates multi-instrument observations with sophisticated theoretical models to examine the three-dimensional structure of flare-related phenomena. A notable trend is his growing involvement in major solar physics initiatives like the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST), reflecting his leadership role in shaping the future of solar observational capabilities. His research spans both theoretical developments in magnetic field modeling and practical applications for interpreting solar observations across multiple wavelengths.

• Arktowski Medal (2021) from the National Academy of Sciences
• Karen Harvey Prize (2003) from the AAS Solar Physics Division
• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2000) from the President of the United States

Longcope has secured significant research funding from NASA and NSF for projects including Characterizing Dense Plasma Sheets Hosting Flare Reconnection, Using chromospheric and transition region signatures to measure properties of magnetic reconnection, and Underpinning the tempo-spatial structures of elementary bursts with high-resolution observations. He serves on numerous prestigious committees including the Astronomy and Astrophysics Advisory Committee (2025-2028), the External Advisory Board of the NSF EPSCoR consortium for Alabama, and the Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey Steering Committee. His engagement extends to public outreach through guest speaking at venues including the Rotary Club, Gallatin Valley Friends of the Sciences, and Montana State University's public events.

As a key member of the MSU Solar Physics Group, Longcope contributes to one of the world's leading solar research centers, which maintains extensive collaborations worldwide and operates cutting-edge facilities including the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory. The group's research spans from the solar surface through the chromosphere to solar wind and space weather, with significant contributions to missions like Yohkoh and the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS). Longcope's work is integral to the group's mission to understand solar variability and its impact on Earth's climate and technological systems.