The Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager for Solar Orbiter: SO/PHI

TL;DR

The SO/PHI instrument on Solar Orbiter is designed to provide high-resolution observations of the Sun's magnetic field and helioseismic data, enabling detailed study of solar poles and magnetic activity.

Contribution

This paper introduces the SO/PHI instrument, a novel polarimetric and helioseismic imager for Solar Orbiter, enhancing solar magnetic and helioseismic observations from unique vantage points.

Findings

Instrument design enables high-resolution solar magnetic field measurements.

Helioseismic data will improve understanding of solar interior dynamics.

Proximity to the Sun allows unprecedented observation of solar poles.

Abstract

The {\em Solar Orbiter} is the next solar physics mission of the European Space Agency, ESA, in collaboration with NASA, with a launch planned in 2018. The spacecraft is designed to approach the Sun to within 0.28\,AU at perihelion of a highly eccentric orbit. The proximity with the Sun will also allow its observation at uniformly high resolution at EUV and visible wavelengths. Such observations are central for learning more about the magnetic coupling of the solar atmosphere. At a later phase in the mission the spacecraft will leave the ecliptic and study the enigmatic poles of the Sun from a heliographic latitude of up to 33$^\circ$.