Exciting new observational and theoretical advances lead today's solar physicists to challenge many of the predictions of even recent models. This volume summarizes the major questions at the forefront of solar physics theory and observations, and proposes priority recommendations to explore these questions. The study also addresses serious institutional issues that have beset solar physics including the role of the universities in the national solar observations, structural barriers to careers in solar physics, and the leadership role of the federal funding agencies for ground-based solar research.
- The Field of Solar Physics: Review and Recommendations for Ground-Based Solar Research
- Copyright
- Preface
- Contents
- 1 Principal Findings
- 2 Solar Research Today: A Science Overview
- INTRODUCTION
- RESEARCH NEEDS
- 3 Principal Science Opportunities and Initiatives for Ground-Based Solar Research
- PROBING THE SOLAR INTERIOR
- The Basic Issues
- Initiatives and Impacts
- Theory and Modeling
- Neutrino Observations
- Helioseismology Projects
- Investigation of the Interiors of Other Solarlike Stars
- THE PHYSICS AT SMALL SPATIAL SCALES
- The Basic Issues
- Magnetic Field Generation and Intermittency
- Equilibrium and Stability Theory
- Rapid Magnetic Field Reconnection
- The Physics of Thermal Heat Conduction
- Plasma Diagnostics, Heating, and Motions
- Initiatives and Impacts
- High-Spatial-Resolution Visible and Infrared Observations
- Infrared Telescope Instrumentation for Imaging and Spectroscopy
- High-Spatial-Resolution Microwave Instrumentation
- Theory and Modeling
- MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE SOLAR CYCLE
- The Basic Issues
- The Causes of Solar Variability
- The Nature of Solar Magnetism
- The Influences of the Sun on the Earth
- Initiatives and Impacts
- THE PHYSICS OF TRANSIENTS
- The Basic Issues
- Abundances
- Radiophysics and Plasma Dynamics
- Coronal Dynamics
- Initiatives and Impacts
- Hard X-rays and Gamma-Rays
- Neutron Monitors
- Radio Observations
- MAX-91
- Fast Optical Spectroscopy
- Vector Magnetographs
- Advanced Coronal Observations
- 4 Institutional Issues and Policy Recommendations
- STRUCTURE OF NSF MANAGEMENT OF SOLAR PROGRAMS
- OTHER MAJOR ISSUES AND NEEDED INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES: DIRECTING FUNDING APPROPRIATELY
- Respond to Changing Demographics of Solar Physics
- Strengthen the Experimental Base of Universities and Encourage Interaction Between National Centers ...
- Protect Newly Funded Initiatives by Ensuring Their Continued Support
- Provide Funding for Highest-Priority New Initiatives
- Probing the Solar Interior
- Neutrino observations.
- Helioseismology projects.
- The Physics at Small Spatial Scales
- Mechanisms Underling the Solar Cycle
- The Physics of Transients
- Appendixes
- Appendix A The Demographics of Solar Physics
- Age Distribution
- Workplace Distribution
- Appendix B National Science Foundation Funding for Solar Physics
- Geosciences Directorate
- Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate
- National Science Foundation Budget for Solar Physics
- Appendix C Previous Relevant National Research Council Reports
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