Understanding Our Star

The Sun is the only star where we can resolve surface structures and fundamental plasma processes in great detail. The EST Science goals focus on understanding the interaction between the solar plasma and magnetic fields, which is the key to understanding solar activity.

The science cases for EST are grouped into fundamental questions regarding magnetic structure, energy transport, and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere. Below, you can explore the specific science cases detailed in the EST comprehensive definition.

Structure and Evolution of Magnetic Fields: How magnetic fields emerge from the solar interior and organize themselves at the surface.

Wave Generation and Propagation: Understanding how magnetic waves transfer energy from the surface to the outer layers.

Chromospheric Dynamics and Heating: Solving the mystery of why the solar atmosphere gets hotter further away from the surface.

Solar Flares and Eruptive Events: Investigating the mechanisms that trigger sudden releases of energy and their impact on Space Weather.

The Scattering Polarization Signals: Using high-precision polarimetry to map weak and turbulent magnetic fields.