Lower solar atmosphere and magnetism at ultra-high spatial resolution

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a future space telescope with ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution to enhance understanding of solar magnetism and activity, which impacts space weather and astrophysics.

Contribution

It proposes a new mission concept to achieve 25 km spatial resolution for solar observations, surpassing current capabilities and enabling detailed study of solar magnetic processes.

Findings

Higher resolution will reveal finer magnetic structures.

Improved temporal cadence enhances dynamic process observation.

Better understanding of solar magnetism influences space weather prediction.

Abstract

We present the scientific case for a future space-based telescope aimed at very high spatial and temporal resolution imaging of the solar photosphere and chromosphere. Previous missions (e.g., HINODE, SUNRISE) have demonstrated the power of observing the solar photosphere and chromosphere at high spatial resolution without contamination from Earth's atmosphere. We argue here that increased spatial resolution (from currently 70 km to 25 km in the future) and high temporal cadence of the observations will vastly improve our understanding of the physical processes controlling solar magnetism and its characteristic scales. This is particularly important as the Sun's magnetic field drives solar activity and can significantly influence the Sun-Earth system. At the same time a better knowledge of solar magnetism can greatly improve our understanding of other astrophysical objects.