Abstract

Objective of the Workshop
Solar activity is driven by the solar magnetic field. The Workshop will focus on the observational and measurement techniques of magnetic fields and the complex processes that control the variability of solar magnetic phenomena. The objective is to review the current status of the field and to identify the links between the observational capabilities and the elaboration of accurate and predictive models of solar variability on all temporal and spatial scales.

Topics covered in the Workshop

  • History of solar magnetic observations from Hale to the present
  • Basic physics of solar magnetic field measurements
  • Photospheric, chromospheric and coronal magnetic field measurements – techniques, interpretation, capabilities and limitations
  • Coronal magnetic field models – Potential Field Source Surface models and beyond and the extension to the heliosphere
  • Heliospheric magnetic field measurements
  • Magnetoconvection as a mechanism for creating fine scale structure, sunspots, turbulent fields (local dynamo)
  • Flux emergence and decay, large-scale flows and magnetic field transport, (meridional circulation), diffusion, active regions evolution, polarity reversals
  • Origin and variability of the solar magnetic field, status and perspectives of dynamo theories (global vs local dynamos)
  • Requirements and perspectives for solar magnetic field measurements

Context of the Workshop
At a Forum on “Solar activity and the solar cycle: future developments and applications” held in November 2012, the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) considered how it can contribute to a better understanding of the physics of the solar activity cycle. Two workshops were recommended for implementation to the Directorate of ISSI. The first, “The solar activity cycle: physical causes and consequences” was held in November 2013. Plans for the second Workshop were presented to the Science Committee of ISSI in November 2013. The Directorate of ISSI agreed to hold this Workshop under the title “Solar magnetic fields: from measurements towards understanding” in early 2015.