I'm Yeimy Rivera, a solar Astrophysicist studying our local neighborhood star.
The Sun today in EUV (211 Å) with a simulated coronal magnetic field·
Image updates automatically. Image: SDO/AIA · NASA
The Sun today in EUV (211 Å) with a simulated coronal magnetic field·
Image updates automatically. Image: SDO/AIA · NASA
About me
I grew up in sunny Los Angeles and now live in snowy Boston.
I am a solar physicist at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian, where my research investigates the fundamental physical processes that drive our Sun. My work has focused on bridging the Sun’s atmosphere and the broader solar system by linking high-resolution, multi-wavelength remote observations of the solar atmosphere with in situ plasma measurements collected locally across the solar system. As part of the NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA’s Solar Orbiter missions, I focus on the scientific synergy between these observatories. My work centers on the strategic coordination of multi-spacecraft observations to capture comprehensive datasets that trace the complex evolution of the solar corona and the solar wind.
Solar System
Current orbital positions of some heliophysics missions and inner heliosphere planets — the past and next 10 days. Data from NASA JPL Horizons. You can plot spacecraft or planet trajectories in python: plotting trajectories
What I do
Areas of expertise
Research
Science · 2024 · This work determines that large-amplitude Alfvén waves, known as magnetic "switchbacks," provide sufficient energy through damping and mechanical work to drive the heating and acceleration of the fast solar wind in the inner heliosphere.
The Astrophysical Journal · 2025 · This work indicates that Alfvénic slow solar wind has contributions to its acceleration from both wave pressure and thermal pressure gradients, while non-Alfvénic slow wind is driven mainly by thermal pressure gradients.
The Astrophysical Journal Letters · 2025 · Analysis of O6+ ions between 0.3 and 1 au indicates that their relative drift and temperature ratio to protons decrease with distance, following an adiabatic cooling profile that suggests heavy ion heating occurs primarily within 0.3 au of the Sun.
The Astrophysical Journal · 2024 · Based on heavy ion diagnostics from the Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe, this study found that magnetic switchback patches lack unique elemental or ion composition compared to surrounding solar wind suggesting they are simply embedded within a larger solar wind structure.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Thesis: Investigating nonequilibrium ionization and recombination processes in solar wind and transient plasma using remote sensing and in situ observations
Experience
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Harvard College Observatory
University of Michigan
Recent Awards & Honors
Harvard University · Three year postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard College Observatory.
University of Michigan · Awarded for original and significant contributions to the field as measured in their scholarly publications
University of Michigan · Awarded for outstanding research, leadership and academic performance
High Altitude Observatory · 9 month visiting graduate student fellowship.