The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine have released their latest Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics, outlining crucial research priorities for the next ten years. This comprehensive report, drawing on over 450 scientific papers, presentations, and town hall discussions, sets the agenda for space agencies and research institutions in advancing our understanding of the solar system.
This Decadal Survey holds significant weight, guiding scientific endeavors across various disciplines. Previous surveys have emphasized crucial objectives such as the search for Earth-like exoplanets, the study of dense cosmic objects, and understanding galaxy formation. The 2022 report prioritized a Uranus probe, while the 2023 report focused on establishing a sustained human presence beyond Earth.
This year’s survey delves into the dynamic realm of solar and space physics, focusing on improving our ability to monitor the solar system’s ever-changing environment and gaining deeper insights into the Sun. The report recommends that NASA develop a mission involving a constellation of satellites to observe near-Earth space and a spacecraft dedicated to imaging the Sun’s polar regions. The National Science Foundation’s Next Generation Global Oscillations Network, a network of solar observatories, is identified as the highest-priority large-scale construction project.
The report also highlights the importance of integrating artificial intelligence into space weather modeling. Specifically, machine learning-driven models of the Sun’s surface could improve predictions of solar eruptions, and AI programs could accelerate data assimilation, thereby speeding up the pace of scientific discovery. Further recommendations include the development of a strategic plan for space weather by the NSF, the establishment of a dedicated space weather program by NOAA, and a partnership between NOAA and the Department of Defense to create predictive space weather models. The report also urges NASA to expand the spaceflight component of its Heliophysics Space Weather program, drawing inspiration from ambitious missions like the Parker Solar Probe’s close-up study of the Sun, which yielded valuable insights into space weather.
“Lack of progress in solar and space physics over the next decade could have devastating consequences for society, partly due to our diminished ability to predict and mitigate potentially harmful space weather impacts,” cautioned Stephen Fuselier, co-chair of the committee and acting vice president of the Southwest Research Institute’s space science division. He further emphasized the critical importance of research in these areas, despite requiring modest additional government investment. “This report offers a glimpse into the future of the field, safeguarding a growing range of industries on Earth and enabling humanity to become a truly spacefaring civilization.”
Space weather, a dynamic phenomenon, impacts even those of us on Earth. This year, several intense geomagnetic storms triggered auroras globally and caused some electronic disruptions. In space, however, such events can severely affect equipment, even with shielding, outside the relative safety of Earth’s magnetosphere.
“The solar and space physics field is at a crucial juncture,” stated Robyn Millan, astronomer at Dartmouth College and committee co-chair. “We have the opportunity in the coming years to pursue truly exciting science, both for the advancement of knowledge and to significantly improve our understanding of phenomena like space weather.”
As humanity intensifies exploration of our solar system and potentially beyond, it is essential for governing bodies to define mission types and secure the necessary funding to realize these ambitious goals. The Decadal Survey serves as a guiding light for these endeavors, inspiring public excitement and setting the stage for future discoveries.
