Science with an ngVLA: ngVLA Observations of Coronal Magnetic Fields

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the ngVLA radio telescope will enable advanced observations of solar coronal magnetic fields, improving understanding of solar activity and space weather prediction.

Contribution

It introduces the use of broadband radio imaging spectropolarimetry with ngVLA for detailed coronal magnetic field studies, a novel approach in solar physics.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of coronal magnetic field evolution.

Improved constraints for MHD models of the solar atmosphere.

Potential advancements in space weather forecasting.

Abstract

Energy stored in the magnetic field in the solar atmosphere above active regions is a key driver of all solar activity (e.g., solar flares and coronal mass ejections), some of which can affect life on Earth. Radio observations provide a unique diagnostic of the coronal magnetic fields that make them a critical tool for the study of these phenomena, using the technique of broadband radio imaging spectropolarimetry. Observations with the ngVLA will provide unique observations of coronal magnetic fields and their evolution, key inputs and constraints for MHD numerical models of the solar atmosphere and eruptive processes, and a key link between lower layers of the solar atmosphere and the heliosphere. In doing so they will also provide practical "research to operations" guidance for space weather forecasting.