Unveiling the Major Mysteries of Our Solar System in the Upcoming Astronomical Decade
Unveiling the Major Mysteries of Our Solar System in the Upcoming Astronomical Decade
The most recent Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics has been released, packed with exciting prospects like upcoming missions and space weather plans. This report stems from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and lays out significant objectives for space agencies and affiliated entities looking to delve deeper into the solar system within the next decade. The report amassed data from 450 scientific papers and various events such as presentations and town halls.
Decadal surveys play a significant role in the scientific community; they specify research goals for various scientists. In 2021, the academies highlighted finding Earth-like exoplanets, comprehending the densest celestial objects, and refining knowledge on the formation and evolution of galaxies as leading astronomical targets.
The following year, the report focusing on planetary science and astrobiology emphasized a mission to explore Uranus as the top priority. 2020 saw the academies proposing a consistent human presence off-Earth, as a main goal.
This year's report tackled a wide range of solar and space physics topics, including methods to monitor and better comprehend the complex environment in our solar system and the star at its core.
The report suggested NASA should embark on a mission to launch a swarm of satellites monitoring the space environment nearby Earth and a spacecraft with the capacity to image the Sun at its poles. The National Science Foundation's Next Generation Global Oscillations Network, a solar observatory network, was highlighted as the most critical large construction project.
Future space weather forecasting models are encouraged to incorporate artificial intelligence by the report. This could involve employing machine learning to forecast eruptions on the Sun's surface, while swift data assimilation could be achieved via AI programs, speeding up the rate of discovery. The report also proposes an NSF space weather strategic plan, NOAA to establish a space weather program, and collaboration with the Department of Defense to formulate predictive space weather models. The report also advocates for NASA to expand the spaceflight segment of its Heliophysics Space Weather program, noteworthy endeavors like the Parker Solar Probe's dive towards the Sun being exemplified by such ambitious progressions. "Lack of advancement in solar and space physics over the following decade may lead to dire outcomes for society, primarily due to the impact on our capacity to predict and mitigate harmful space weather events," stated co-chair Stephen Fuselier, acting vice president of Southwest Research Institute's space science division, in an academies release.
"While advancing in these areas will necessitate modest additional investments from the government, research in this sector is of paramount importance," Fuselier added. "This report serves as a roadmap into the field's future and safeguards a broadening spectrum of industries on Earth, enabling humanity to ascend to the title of a true space-faring civilization."
Space weather is a dynamic phenomenon that affects us Earthlings as well; our planet encountered several intense geomagnetic storms this year, leading to auroras worldwide and some electronic disruptions. However, such weather conditions can be severe in space for equipment, despite shielding, that isn't protected by our planet's magnetosphere.
"The solar and space physics sector is at a critical juncture currently, and we have an extraordinary chance in the following years to pursue groundbreaking science — both for the sake of science and to improve our comprehension of things like space weather," said Robyn Millan, an astronomer at Dartmouth College and co-chair of the committee that wrote the report, in an academies release.
As humans continue to venture further into the solar system (possibly even beyond?), setting the agenda for missions and financing is essential for governing bodies to take these bold next steps promptly. This report serves as a guide for those goals and provides the public with something to look forward to.
The report highlights the importance of developing future space weather forecasting models, incorporating artificial intelligence to predict solar eruptions and accelerate data assimilation (future, technology, science, space). With NASA's proposed mission to image the Sun at its poles and the NSF's Next Generation Global Oscillations Network, advancements in solar and space physics could pave the way for humanity to establish itself as a true space-faring civilization (future, technology, science, space).