[Previous] | [Session 76] | [Next]
A. Ruzmaikin (Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute Of Technology)
To understand fundamentals of Sun-Earth Connections in general and Space Weather in particular, full-Sun viewing is required. A minimal mission includes simultaneous observations from behind the Sun and from the earthside. This mission will bring understanding of how geoeffective solar magnetic activity originates by: (1) following magnetic activity from its source in the solar interior to the solar surface using deep helioseismic probing, (2) continuously observing the solar surface development of sources of geoeffective (fast) CMEs and particle events using Doppler-magnetic imaging, (3) observing coronal magnetic fields using Faraday rotation measurements deconvolved by modeling with full-Sun boundary conditions obtained from imaging, (4) developing a capability for advanced space weather prediction with a lead time of days using measurements of solar energetic particles and magnetic fields simultaneously from both sides of the Sun.
An extended, 4\pi mission with additional spacecraft above the solar poles (solar sail required) will allow the viewing of the entire solar globe. This will combine the solar polar mission science goals (meridional flows, polar magnetic fields) with those of the above minimal mission, plus affording new synergistic opportunities such as interplay between active regions (latitude <45\deg) and polar structures (latitude >45\deg) and 3-D imaging of CMEs. Suggested instrumentation includes a Doppler-magnetograph for photospheric imaging, particle detectors and a magnetometer for in-situ measurements, and a two-frequency radio system (X and Ka bands) for communication and coronal sounding. Unique aspects and advantages of the concept for the NASA Road Map are discussed.
If the author provided an email address or URL for general inquiries, it is a
s follows: