An assessment of observational coverage and gaps for robust Sun to heliosphere integrated science

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the current observational coverage of the Sun-to-heliosphere environment, identifies gaps in plasma and magnetic field measurements, and discusses how upcoming missions can improve integrated solar wind science.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive assessment of observational gaps and emphasizes the importance of coordinated remote and in situ measurements for advancing Sun to heliosphere studies.

Findings

Identification of key observational gaps in plasma and magnetic field data.

Review of recent coordinated observation studies.

Discussion of how upcoming missions can enhance coverage.

Abstract

Understanding the generation and development of the continuous outflow from the Sun requires tracing the physical conditions from deep in the corona to the heliosphere. Detailed global observations of plasma state variables and the magnetic field are needed to provide critical constraints to the underlying physics driving models of the corona and solar wind. Key diagnostics of the solar wind require measurements at its formation site and during its outflow to continuously track it across rapidly changing regions of space. A unified view of the solar wind is only possible through coordinated remote and in situ observations that probe these different regions. Here, we discuss current observational coverage and gaps of different plasma properties and review recent coordinated studies. We highlight how these efforts may become more routine with the launch of upcoming and planned missions.