Connecting Solar and Stellar Flares/CMEs: Expanding Heliophysics to Encompass Exoplanetary Space Weather

TL;DR

This paper discusses how heliophysics tools and models can be expanded to study stellar flares and CMEs, aiming to understand exoplanetary space weather and improve observational and modeling techniques.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of applying Sun-to-Earth space weather modeling to other stars and exoplanets, proposing specific research directions and collaborations.

Findings

Data-inspired modeling enhances stellar CME detection.

Theoretical studies of CME initiation inform stellar eruption understanding.

Recommendations for interdisciplinary research funding and collaboration.

Abstract

The aim of this white paper is to briefly summarize some of the outstanding gaps in the observations and modeling of stellar flares, CMEs, and exoplanetary space weather, and to discuss how the theoretical and computational tools and methods that have been developed in heliophysics can play a critical role in meeting these challenges. The maturity of data-inspired and data-constrained modeling of the Sun-to-Earth space weather chain provides a natural starting point for the development of new, multidisciplinary research and applications to other stars and their exoplanetary systems. Here we present recommendations for future solar CME research to further advance stellar flare and CME studies. These recommendations will require institutional and funding agency support for both fundamental research (e.g. theoretical considerations and idealized eruptive flare/CME numerical modeling) and applied research (e.g. data inspired/constrained modeling and estimating exoplanetary space weather impacts). In short, we recommend continued and expanded support for: (1.) Theoretical and numerical studies of CME initiation and low coronal evolution, including confinement of "failed" eruptions; (2.) Systematic analyses of Sun-as-a-star observations to develop and improve stellar CME detection techniques and alternatives; (3.) Improvements in data-inspired and data-constrained MHD modeling of solar CMEs and their application to stellar systems; and (4.) Encouraging comprehensive solar--stellar research collaborations and conferences through new interdisciplinary and multi-agency/division funding mechanisms.