Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
REPORT OF THE PANEL ON SOLAR AND HELIOSPHERIC PHYSICS
321
10.5.5.2 Laboratory Astrophysics and Calibration Facilities
SHP Imperative: NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NSF are
encouraged to continue their support of laboratory facilities for accurate measurement of atomic properties
and for instrument calibrations as needed for several research programs and missions. 42
Justification: Understanding the Sun and heliosphere requires observing them remotely. Diagnosing
these observations requires both theoretical knowledge of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum
and well-calibrated instrumentation. Heliophysics research relies heavily on measurements of atomic
and molecular collision physics, especially for highly charged ions that dominate X-ray and EUV production. Proper interpretation of observations requires cross sections for calculating excitation, direct and
dielectronic recombination, single-charge and multiple-charge exchange, lifetimes, and other values. And
calibration facilities (for example, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology) are required for
accurate calibration and characterization of NASA and NOAA instrumentation before flight. Without such
facilities, the science return from missions and ground-based remote-sensing observations can be substantially limited. The SHP panel assigns high priority to continued support of these facilities by NASA, NOAA,
and NSF, preferably through budget line items for laboratory facilities.
10.5.5.3 Enhanced Space Weather Monitoring and Modeling
SHP Imperative: To optimize space weather capabilities, the SHP panel recommends that all future
solar and heliospheric space missions and ground-based facilities consider including capabilities for
delivering space weather data products. It would be a benefit for NASA to develop multiagency missions
whose primary purpose is space weather monitoring. An interagency clearinghouse and archive of space
weather data would benefit forecasters, researchers, and model-builders.
Justification: During the past decade, the direct application of solar and heliospheric physics to the
protection of life and our high-technology society has demonstrated that the nation’s investment in the field
is returning tangible benefits. The SHP panel recognizes the great benefit that would be realized if studies
of new NASA missions considered adding space weather measurements and real-time data-transmitting
capabilities where appropriate. Examples of possible missions include IMAP, SEE, and L5. The technical
and financial effects of adding space weather instrumentation could be addressed by partnering with other
NASA directorates or other agencies. Furthermore, the SHP panel recognizes a benefit in NASA consideration of partnering with other agencies to fly missions whose primary purpose is space weather operations
but that also have science objectives, such as an L5 mission (§10.5.2.5).
Currently, ground-based neutron monitors and solar optical telescopes and radiotelescopes provide
unique real-time data. In the future, an expansion of SOLIS to a three-site network and completion of FASR
and COSMO would provide key data. The panel encourages ground-based facilities to assess data products
that could improve space weather capabilities. Finally, to expand the availability of space weather data
to forecasters, researchers, and model-builders, the SHP panel encourages development of an interagency
clearinghouse for real-time and near-real-time data and an active national archive of current and past
space weather data.
42 F.G. Eparvier, The Need for Consistent Funding of Facilities Required for NASA Missions, white paper submitted to the Decadal
Strategy for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics), Paper 69; A. Chutjian et al., Laboratory Solar Physics from Molecular to HighlyCharged Ions, Meeting Future Space Observations of the Solar Plasma and Solar Wind, white paper submitted to the Decadal Strategy
for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics), Paper 39.
Solar and Space Physics: A Science for a Technological Society
REPORT OF THE PANEL ON SOLAR AND HELIOSPHERIC PHYSICS
321
10.5.5.2 Laboratory Astrophysics and Calibration Facilities
SHP Imperative: NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and NSF are
encouraged to continue their support of laboratory facilities for accurate measurement of atomic properties
and for instrument calibrations as needed for several research programs and missions. 42
Justification: Understanding the Sun and heliosphere requires observing them remotely. Diagnosing
these observations requires both theoretical knowledge of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum
and well-calibrated instrumentation. Heliophysics research relies heavily on measurements of atomic
and molecular collision physics, especially for highly charged ions that dominate X-ray and EUV production. Proper interpretation of observations requires cross sections for calculating excitation, direct and
dielectronic recombination, single-charge and multiple-charge exchange, lifetimes, and other values. And
calibration facilities (for example, at the National Institute of Standards and Technology) are required for
accurate calibration and characterization of NASA and NOAA instrumentation before flight. Without such
facilities, the science return from missions and ground-based remote-sensing observations can be substantially limited. The SHP panel assigns high priority to continued support of these facilities by NASA, NOAA,
and NSF, preferably through budget line items for laboratory facilities.
10.5.5.3 Enhanced Space Weather Monitoring and Modeling
SHP Imperative: To optimize space weather capabilities, the SHP panel recommends that all future
solar and heliospheric space missions and ground-based facilities consider including capabilities for
delivering space weather data products. It would be a benefit for NASA to develop multiagency missions
whose primary purpose is space weather monitoring. An interagency clearinghouse and archive of space
weather data would benefit forecasters, researchers, and model-builders.
Justification: During the past decade, the direct application of solar and heliospheric physics to the
protection of life and our high-technology society has demonstrated that the nation’s investment in the field
is returning tangible benefits. The SHP panel recognizes the great benefit that would be realized if studies
of new NASA missions considered adding space weather measurements and real-time data-transmitting
capabilities where appropriate. Examples of possible missions include IMAP, SEE, and L5. The technical
and financial effects of adding space weather instrumentation could be addressed by partnering with other
NASA directorates or other agencies. Furthermore, the SHP panel recognizes a benefit in NASA consideration of partnering with other agencies to fly missions whose primary purpose is space weather operations
but that also have science objectives, such as an L5 mission (§10.5.2.5).
Currently, ground-based neutron monitors and solar optical telescopes and radiotelescopes provide
unique real-time data. In the future, an expansion of SOLIS to a three-site network and completion of FASR
and COSMO would provide key data. The panel encourages ground-based facilities to assess data products
that could improve space weather capabilities. Finally, to expand the availability of space weather data
to forecasters, researchers, and model-builders, the SHP panel encourages development of an interagency
clearinghouse for real-time and near-real-time data and an active national archive of current and past
space weather data.
42 F.G. Eparvier, The Need for Consistent Funding of Facilities Required for NASA Missions, white paper submitted to the Decadal
Strategy for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics), Paper 69; A. Chutjian et al., Laboratory Solar Physics from Molecular to HighlyCharged Ions, Meeting Future Space Observations of the Solar Plasma and Solar Wind, white paper submitted to the Decadal Strategy
for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics), Paper 39.