The Field of Solar Physics

Summarizes the major questions in solar physics theory and observations, and proposes recommendations. This study addresses institutional issues as the role of the universities in the national solar observations, structural barriers to careers in solar physics, and the leadership role of federal funding agencies for ground-based solar research.

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Exciting new observational and theoretical advances lead today's solar physicists to challenge many of the predictions of even recent models. This volume summarizes the major questions at the forefront of solar physics theory and observations, and proposes priority recommendations to explore these questions. The study also addresses serious institutional issues that have beset solar physics including the role of the universities in the national solar observations, structural barriers to careers in solar physics, and the leadership role of the federal funding agencies for ground-based solar research.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
1. Principal Findings
2. Solar Research Today: A Science Overview
3. Principal Science Opportunities and Initiatives for Ground-Based
Solar Research
4. Institutional Issues and Policy Recommendations
A: The Demographics of Solar Physics
B: National Science Foundation Funding for Solar Physics
C: Previous Relevant National Research Council Reports