Indian solar and heliospheric physics vision: Fundamental science to a space weather resilient society

Abstract

The Sun is the only star that harbours a planet known to host life. Our home, the Earth, and other solar system planets reside within the heliosphere – the sphere of influence of the Sun. Within this domain, the Sun’s radiation, energetic particles, plasma wind, magnetic fluxes, and dynamic events, such as flares and coronal mass ejections influence planetary environments. While the Sun provides the basis for life, it also produces severe space weather that is hazardous to humanity’s space-based technologies. Long-term solar variations also influence planetary evolution and habitability. Dynamic solar variability originates in magnetohydrodynamic processes in its interior and atmosphere that provide a window to the plasma universe. Therefore, exploring the origin, impact, and overarching astrophysical implications of the Sun’s activity is of fundamental importance to humanity. In this vision for solar and heliospheric physics – contributing to the vision document of the Astronomical Society of India – we provide a brief synopsis of the current status of the field, focus on outstanding challenges that are expected to drive the field over the next decade or so, and based on an assessment of the expertise available within India, we provide specific recommendations that the Indian community is well poised to address.