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UK White Paper on Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology of solar and heliospheric plasmas

Valery M. Nakariakov, David B. Jess, Andrew N. Wright, Timothy K. Yeoman, Thomas Elsden, James A. McLaughlin, Dmitrii Y. Kolotkov, Viktor Fedun, Robertus Erdélyi

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology uses naturally occurring MHD waves to infer plasma properties that are otherwise hard to measure, especially magnetic field strength and topology, electric currents, fine structuring, transport coefficients, and energy release. Across the solar atmosphere, heliosphere, and planetary magnetospheres, multi-wavelength remote sensing and in-situ observations of waves provide powerful diagnostics that can address major open problems including chromospheric and coronal heating, flare and eruption physics, solar wind acceleration, and space weather impacts. This White Paper sets out the case for a coordinated UK programme that couples high precision observations with advanced theory and numerical modelling, modern time-frequency methods for non-stationary signals, and machine learning approaches for detection, classification, and parameter inference from rapidly growing multi-instrument datasets. It outlines priority needs such as robust mode identification, reliable density and temperature constraints, multi line-of-sight capability, and models that include partial ionisation and non-adiabatic/collisionless effects, alongside enabling instrumentation such as next-generation spectropolarimetry, integral field units, and radio facilities including the Square Kilometre Array. The paper highlights the UK's strong track record and infrastructure, and argues that sustained investment will amplify UK scientific return through international partnerships and mission involvement, delivering transformative plasma diagnostics and downstream benefits for space weather forecasting and related applications.

UK White Paper on Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology of solar and heliospheric plasmas

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) seismology uses naturally occurring MHD waves to infer plasma properties that are otherwise hard to measure, especially magnetic field strength and topology, electric currents, fine structuring, transport coefficients, and energy release. Across the solar atmosphere, heliosphere, and planetary magnetospheres, multi-wavelength remote sensing and in-situ observations of waves provide powerful diagnostics that can address major open problems including chromospheric and coronal heating, flare and eruption physics, solar wind acceleration, and space weather impacts. This White Paper sets out the case for a coordinated UK programme that couples high precision observations with advanced theory and numerical modelling, modern time-frequency methods for non-stationary signals, and machine learning approaches for detection, classification, and parameter inference from rapidly growing multi-instrument datasets. It outlines priority needs such as robust mode identification, reliable density and temperature constraints, multi line-of-sight capability, and models that include partial ionisation and non-adiabatic/collisionless effects, alongside enabling instrumentation such as next-generation spectropolarimetry, integral field units, and radio facilities including the Square Kilometre Array. The paper highlights the UK's strong track record and infrastructure, and argues that sustained investment will amplify UK scientific return through international partnerships and mission involvement, delivering transformative plasma diagnostics and downstream benefits for space weather forecasting and related applications.
Paper Structure (5 sections, 2 figures, 2 tables)

This paper contains 5 sections, 2 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Observational challenges
  2. Advanced data analysis techniques
  3. Machine learning and big data approaches
  4. Integration of MHD seismology with other plasma diagnostics techniques

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: Multiwavelength demonstration of the magnetic coupling between various layers of the solar atmosphere2016NatPh..12..179J. Panels a & b showcase the Sun's corona, where magnetic loops and fans are seen to oscillate with a variety of MHD wave modes. Panel c reveals the atmospheric coupling, from the photosphere to the corona, that supports and guides wave energy into the heliosphere and beyond.
  • Figure 2: Next-generation instrumentation2023SoPh..298..146J, numerical modelling2023ApJ...954...30A, and theoretical interpretation2022NatCo..13..479S working in harmony to diagnose the modal composition of MHD waves in a sunspot umbra. Integral field units (IFUs; top panel) offer a novel solution for obtaining information across spectral and two spatial domains simultaneously to provide the high-resolution information necessary for in-depth seismological studies.