The Open Flux Problem: The Need for High Latitude Observations
Whitepaper #240 in the Decadal Survey for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics) 2024-2033. Main topics: basic research. Additional topics: inner heliosphere; solar physics.
by Jon A. Linker, Pete Riley, Cooper Downs, Ronald M. Caplan, Craig DeForest, Sarah E. Gibson, Donald M. Hassler, J. Todd Hoeksema, W. Dean Pesnell, Xudong Sun, and Nicholeen M. Viall
Published onJul 31, 2023
The Open Flux Problem: The Need for High Latitude Observations
The open magnetic flux is a central feature of the solar corona and heliosphere. Solar observations of the open flux consistently underestimate the measured interplanetary flux. Resolving the poorly measured contribution of the Sun’s polar magnetic fields to the open flux requires observing the LOS magnetic field above 65 degrees latitude, with accompanying EUV detections of coronal holes.
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