In a concerted push to advance the understanding of solar phenomena, heliophysicists are calling for fresh missions to study the Sun. Recently, the field of heliophysics has been the focus of a decadal survey by the National Academies, emphasizing the urgent need for investments in new programs and satellite constellations dedicated to space weather research. The survey outlines the potential dangers posed by solar activity, including the impact of solar storms on technology and infrastructure on Earth. As Craig DeForest, a prominent heliophysicist, notes, ‘The risks from solar events are real and increasing as society becomes ever more dependent on technology. A deeper understanding of these phenomena is crucial.’ Furthermore, stakeholders are proposing a new name for the field to more accurately reflect its expanding scope. Investment in these missions is crucial, as highlighted in the survey’s recommendations, which aim to enhance scientific capabilities and protect critical systems from solar impacts. As heliophysicists unite to bolster research efforts, the endorsement of new space missions is seen as vital for both scientific advancement and safeguarding technologies reliant on stable solar conditions.
Heliophysicists Advocate for New Missions and Field Name as Solar Studies Gain Momentum
