AI Insight
The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) will provide unprecedented capabilities for studying solar physics, space weather, and the Sun-Earth connection through continuous radio frequency coverage from 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz with sub-arcsecond resolution and significantly enhanced sensitivity. The observatory's design will enable comprehensive observation of the entire plasma process chain from the solar corona through the heliosphere to Earth's ionosphere, including coronal heating mechanisms, solar eruptions, coronal mass ejection magnetic fields, and heliospheric turbulence. This overview synthesizes 16 specialized contributions outlining how SKAO's capabilities represent order-of-magnitude improvements over existing radio facilities for solar and space weather research.
Why it matters
Enhanced space weather monitoring and prediction capabilities are critical for protecting satellite systems, communication networks, power grids, and astronauts from solar storms and coronal mass ejections. The improved understanding of Sun-Earth plasma dynamics will advance both fundamental solar physics and practical forecasting of potentially disruptive space weather events.
Understand the Science
arXiv:2607.17881v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: The Solar, Heliospheric and Ionospheric (SHI) Physics Science Working Group of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) addresses the full chain of plasma processes linking the solar corona to the terrestrial environment. This overview chapter synthesises 16 topical contributions to Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA-II, spanning the quiet and active solar atmosphere, eruptive phenomena, heliospheric turbulence and solar-wind diagnostics, ionospheric science, stellar-solar connections, and the observational frameworks required to deliver these science goals. The primary focus is on the capabilities of Array Assembly 4 (AA4), the design baseline for both SKA-LOW (50-350,MHz) and SKA-MID (0.35-15.4,GHz), which together provide continuous spectral coverage, sub-arcsecond angular resolution, full-Stokes polarimetry, and sensitivity gains of an order of magnitude over existing facilities. From resolving fine-scale coronal heating events to mapping coronal mass ejection magnetic fields and characterising multi-scale heliospheric turbulence, SKAO will deliver transformative advances in solar and space-weather science. We frame these contributions as a single end-to-end Sun-to-Earth system. We identify cross-cutting themes and gaps not fully addressed by individual chapters and outline the staged roadmap from early operations through to the full AA4 capability.
Source: Solar, Heliospheric and Ionospheric Physics: Pathfinders, Precursors and SKAO Perspective