[Previous] | [Session 34] | [Next]
H. Lin (Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii)
The interplay between the magnetic fields and the highly conductive plasma in the atmosphere of the sun generates some of the most fascinating and puzzling astronomical phenomena known to the mankind. Because of its proximity to the earth, these solar activities also have profound effect on life on earth. Therefore, understanding solar magnetism is not only an intellectual inquiry of the curious minds, it is also an endeavor to better the human life. The near infrared wavelength regime between 1 to 2 microns contains many spectral lines with powerful diagnostics capability for the study of solar magnetic fields. These spectral lines offer enhanced magnetic sensitivity in both the photosphere and corona, which not only allows us to explore regions of the solar atmosphere not easily accessible by other diagnostics, in many cases, it also provides critical measurements to distinguish competing models, and therefore, advances our knowledge of the sun. While the potential of the near-IR tools for the study of solar magnetism was well recognized by the pioneers of the field many decades ago, realization of some of their capabilities was achieved only recently, due to the advance of the IR array detector technology. In this talk, we will first review past achievements and the current status of the near-IR solar physics research. Of course, the excitement of the field is in the future challenges and progress we are going to face and achieve with the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST). Therefore, we will also discuss the scientific goals of the ATST and present ideas on how to achieve these goals.
[Previous] | [Session 34] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.