UK White Paper on Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology of solar and heliospheric plasmas

TL;DR

This White Paper advocates for a UK-led, integrated approach to MHD seismology, combining observations, theory, and modeling to address key solar and space plasma physics challenges and improve space weather prediction.

Contribution

It proposes a coordinated UK programme integrating high-precision observations, advanced modeling, and machine learning to advance MHD seismology of solar and heliospheric plasmas.

Findings

Highlights the importance of MHD waves in diagnosing plasma properties.

Identifies key technological and observational needs for progress.

Emphasizes UK's infrastructure and potential for international leadership.

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology uses naturally occurring MHD waves to infer plasma properties that are otherwise hard to measure, especially magnetic field strength and topology, electric currents, fine structuring, transport coefficients, and energy release. Across the solar atmosphere, heliosphere, and planetary magnetospheres, multi-wavelength remote sensing and in-situ observations of waves provide powerful diagnostics that can address major open problems including chromospheric and coronal heating, flare and eruption physics, solar wind acceleration, and space weather impacts. This White Paper sets out the case for a coordinated UK programme that couples high precision observations with advanced theory and numerical modelling, modern time-frequency methods for non-stationary signals, and machine learning approaches for detection, classification, and parameter inference from rapidly growing multi-instrument datasets. It outlines priority needs such as robust mode identification, reliable density and temperature constraints, multi line-of-sight capability, and models that include partial ionisation and non-adiabatic/collisionless effects, alongside enabling instrumentation such as next-generation spectropolarimetry, integral field units, and radio facilities including the Square Kilometre Array. The paper highlights the UK's strong track record and infrastructure, and argues that sustained investment will amplify UK scientific return through international partnerships and mission involvement, delivering transformative plasma diagnostics and downstream benefits for space weather forecasting and related applications.