The solar atmosphere is controlled by magnetic fields that emerge from the solar interior. These fields manifest as complex structures ranging from tiny magnetic elements to massive sunspots. EST will allow us to observe these magnetic building blocks with unprecedented resolution, tracking their entire lifecycle from emergence to decay.

Key Objectives:

• Resolve elementary flux tubes: Distinguish magnetic structures smaller than 30 km on the solar surface.
• Track field emergence: Understand how magnetic fields rise from the interior and disrupt the granular pattern of the photosphere.
• Vortex motions: Investigate how small-scale swirling motions in the photosphere channel energy into the upper atmosphere.