The Next Decade in Solar and Space Physics: Charting a Path for Discovery and Protection

Solar and space physics, a multidisciplinary field at the intersection of astrophysics, planetary science, and atmospheric studies, has grown in importance due to humanity’s increasing reliance on technology and its ambition to explore deeper into space. This discipline focuses on understanding the Sun’s behavior, the Earth’s magnetosphere and ionosphere, and the broader heliosphere that defines our solar system’s protective boundary against interstellar forces.

As we venture further into this new space age, characterized by lunar exploration, Mars missions, and increasing commercial activity in low Earth orbit (LEO), the need for robust scientific understanding of solar and space physics is pressing. This article reviews the key points from the recent consensus study The Next Decade of Discovery in Solar and Space Physics: Exploring and Safeguarding Humanity’s Home in Space.

Vision and Mission

The report establishes a dual vision for the field over the coming decade:

1. Advancing Scientific Knowledge: Leveraging the unique laboratory of our solar system to understand the Sun’s behavior, its interactions with planetary systems, and the processes that govern space weather phenomena.
2. Safeguarding Humanity’s Expansion into Space: Developing predictive capabilities and operational tools to mitigate the impacts of solar activity on space exploration and Earth-based technologies.

These interconnected goals form the backbone of the proposed research and application framework, providing both theoretical insights and practical benefits.

Why Solar and Space Physics Matters

The Sun, as the closest star, is our primary source of energy and a key driver of dynamic processes in the heliosphere. However, its activity also generates significant risks. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) can disrupt satellite communications, degrade navigation systems, and threaten the safety of astronauts. Understanding these processes is critical for designing resilient systems, ensuring mission success, and protecting infrastructure on Earth and in space.

Beyond these immediate applications, the field provides insights into fundamental physics. By studying plasma processes, magnetic field interactions, and energetic particle dynamics in the heliosphere, scientists can refine models applicable to astrophysical systems far beyond our solar system.

Scientific Themes and Priorities

The report identifies three overarching themes to guide solar and space physics research:

Sun-Earth-Space: Our Interconnected Home

This theme focuses on understanding the interconnected systems that link the Sun to Earth and other solar system bodies. Key areas of study include:

• The mechanisms driving solar activity, such as sunspots, solar cycles, and magnetic field generation.
• The interaction between solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere, leading to auroras, geomagnetic storms, and ionospheric disturbances.
• The coupling between Earth’s upper atmosphere and the space environment, which affects satellite orbits and communication systems.

These investigations are essential for predicting and mitigating the impacts of space weather on modern infrastructure.

A Laboratory in Space: Building Blocks of Understanding

The solar system provides a natural laboratory for exploring physical processes that are difficult or impossible to replicate on Earth. For instance:

• Observations of solar flares and CMEs help refine theories of magnetic reconnection, a fundamental process in plasma physics.
• The study of planetary magnetospheres, such as those of Jupiter and Saturn, offers insights into the behavior of charged particles in diverse environments.
• Investigations of the solar wind’s interaction with the interstellar medium inform our understanding of cosmic ray propagation and galactic magnetic fields.

These studies not only enhance our knowledge of the heliosphere but also contribute to broader astrophysical research.

New Environments: Exploring Beyond the Familiar

As space exploration pushes the boundaries of human activity, studying new regions of the solar system becomes increasingly important. Key areas of interest include:

• The polar regions of the Sun, where magnetic field dynamics play a crucial role in shaping the solar cycle.
• The outer heliosphere, where the solar wind transitions to the interstellar medium.
• The environments of other planets and moons, such as Mars, Europa, and Titan, which are targets for future exploration.

By venturing into these new frontiers, researchers can address fundamental questions about planetary habitability, the origins of life, and the processes that govern solar system evolution.

Addressing Space Weather Challenges

Space weather research is a cornerstone of the report’s recommendations, reflecting its critical importance for both scientific understanding and practical applications. Space weather phenomena, driven by solar activity, can have far-reaching effects on communication networks, power grids, aviation safety, and human health.

Key Research Themes in Space Weather

1. System of Systems: Understanding the interconnected subsystems that drive space weather, from the Sun’s magnetic activity to the Earth’s ionosphere and thermosphere.
2. Physical Responses: Investigating how these subsystems respond to solar inputs, such as CMEs and high-energy particles.
3. Infrastructure and Health Impacts: Developing predictive tools to assess risks to satellites, astronauts, and ground-based systems.

Operational Goals for the Next Decade

The report outlines specific objectives for improving space weather prediction, including:

• Solar Flares and CMEs: Achieving 12-hour forecasts with high accuracy.
• Ionospheric Disturbances: Developing nowcast models to mitigate disruptions to GPS and communication systems.
• Radiation Environments: Enhancing monitoring and forecasting capabilities to protect astronauts and aviation passengers.

These goals require advancements in observation, modeling, and data integration, supported by coordinated efforts across agencies and international partners.

Comprehensive Research Strategy

The report proposes a three-part strategy to achieve its scientific and operational objectives:

HelioSystems Laboratory (HSL)

The HSL concept integrates ground- and space-based assets into a coordinated framework for data collection and analysis. Key components include:

• A new generation of NASA missions, such as Solar Terrestrial Probes and Living With a Star missions, to address high-priority science questions.
• Ground-based facilities like the Next Generation Global Oscillations Network Group (ngGONG), which will provide critical observations for both science and operational needs.
• Advanced modeling programs to synthesize observations and predict system behavior.

DRIVE+ Initiative

Building on the successes of the 2013 decadal survey, the DRIVE+ initiative focuses on:

• Expanding workforce diversity and inclusion through targeted education and training programs.
• Enhancing interagency collaboration to streamline data sharing and resource utilization.
• Investing in new technologies, such as CubeSats and artificial intelligence, to accelerate scientific discovery.

Preparing for the Future

The strategy emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and investment. This includes:

• Developing technologies and mission concepts for the 2030s and beyond.
• Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to address emerging challenges in planetary science, astrobiology, and climate studies.
• Strengthening international partnerships to maximize the impact of research efforts.

Building a Vibrant Research Community

The report highlights the need for a diverse and inclusive research community to sustain progress in solar and space physics. This requires addressing barriers to participation, promoting equity in education and hiring, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Programs to achieve these goals include:

• Early-career fellowships and mentoring initiatives to attract and retain talent.
• Public outreach campaigns to increase awareness of the field’s importance.
• Policy advocacy to secure funding and support for long-term research endeavors.

Summary

The next decade presents unprecedented opportunities for discovery and innovation in solar and space physics. By implementing the strategies outlined in this report, the scientific community can address critical questions about our heliospheric environment, protect humanity’s technological infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for future exploration.