The chromosphere and prominence magnetometer

TL;DR

ChroMag is a specialized instrument designed to measure the magnetic fields and dynamics of the solar chromosphere and prominences through advanced spectro-polarimetric imaging, aiding understanding of solar activity and space weather.

Contribution

This paper introduces ChroMag, a new instrument that provides comprehensive vector magnetic field measurements of the solar chromosphere and prominences, with tools for data interpretation.

Findings

Enables detailed study of chromospheric magnetism and dynamics.

Supports understanding of energy storage and release in solar atmosphere.

Provides critical data for space weather prediction and solar physics research.

Abstract

The Chromosphere and Prominence Magnetometer (ChroMag) is conceived with the goal of quantifying the intertwined dynamics and magnetism of the solar chromosphere and in prominences through imaging spectro-polarimetry of the full solar disk. The picture of chromospheric magnetism and dynamics is rapidly developing, and a pressing need exists for breakthrough observations of chromospheric vector magnetic field measurements at the true lower boundary of the heliospheric system. ChroMag will provide measurements that will enable scientists to study and better understand the energetics of the solar atmosphere, how prominences are formed, how energy is stored in the magnetic field structure of the atmosphere and how it is released during space weather events like flares and coronal mass ejections. An integral part of the ChroMag program is a commitment to develop and provide community access to the "inversion" tools necessary for the difficult interpretation of the measurements and derive the magneto-hydrodynamic parameters of the plasma. Measurements of an instrument like ChroMag provide critical physical context for the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) as well as ground-based observatories such as the future Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST).