Much of the Sun’s magnetic field is “hidden” in turbulent, small-scale tangles that cancel out in standard observations. By analyzing subtle quantum scattering effects (like the Hanle effect) in polarized light, EST can map these weak and turbulent fields that are invisible to other methods.

Key Objectives:

• Map the “hidden” magnetism: Reveal the turbulent magnetic fields that pervade the “quiet” sun.
• High-sensitivity polarimetry: Utilize EST’s large 4-meter aperture to collect enough photons to detect incredibly faint polarization signals (0.01% sensitivity).
• Hanle Effect applications: Use scattering physics to measure magnetic fields in the upper solar atmosphere where standard Zeeman effect measurements fail.