Heliophysics: Science of the Sun-Earth System

Abstract:

The Sun's variable activity governs the electromagnetic and particulate environment within the heliosphere, the space which hosts our planetary system. Solar variability consequently forces planetary atmospheres and impacts our modern-day technologies. On relatively short timescales of days, solar magnetic storms launch vast amounts of magnetized plasma into interplanetary space which can affect satellite operations, telecommunications and air-traffic on polar routes. On the other hand, relatively slow variations in the Sun's radiative output influence the Earth's climate. A system-wide approach to understanding the origin, influence and technological impact of solar variability has given birth to a field of research known as Heliophysics, which encompasses the physics of space weather and climate. In this talk, I will motivate the science of Heliophysics and touch upon a few of the grand challenges in this field to which our research has contributed.