Sub-Event · Grades 11–12 · 3 October 2026
HelioScale
A software-driven solar data analysis challenge.
The Al Amal Space Club and the Physics Department at GEMS New Millennium School proudly present HelioScale, a sub-event of AstroNexus’26 — a challenge that introduces participants to real astronomical data analysis using AstroImageJ.
Students will explore solar activity by measuring the physical size of sunspots, identifying potential Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) source regions, and comparing these immense solar features to the size of Earth using authentic telescope imagery.
Eligibility
Grade 11–12
Team Size
3 Students
Software
AstroImageJ
Objective
- Learn the basics of solar activity and the 11-year solar cycle.
- Use AstroImageJ software for astronomical image analysis.
- Measure sunspot dimensions from telescope imagery.
- Compare sunspot sizes with the size of Earth.
- Analyse Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) source regions using real datasets.
Format
- Volunteer briefing
- Data analysis challenge
- Final presentation to judges
Judging
- Data analysis & precision
- Scientific understanding
- Methodology & documentation
- Teamwork & technical proficiency
- Presentation of findings