Heliophysics is the study of the Sun and its effects on space. It is a relatively young field, having only been recognized as a distinct area of research in the early 1990s. Heliophysics encompasses aspects of astrophysics, solar physics, planetary science, and space weather.
The Sun is the centerpiece of heliophysics. It is uniquely placed to be the centerpiece since it is our nearest star and we have been able to study it in detail for centuries. The study of the Sun helps us understand other stars and how they interact with their surroundings. Additionally, the Sun’s influence extends far beyond just providing light and warmth to Earth – it drives space weather and can impact both near-Earth spacecraft and astronauts as well as communications and power systems on Earth.
Solar physics is focused on understanding the internal structure and dynamics of the Sun as well as its external atmosphere. This includes studying phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar wind. Astrophysicists who study heliophysics use data from many different types of telescopes and instruments, both ground-based and space-based, to learn about the Sun. In recent years, new technologies have allowed us to probe even deeper into the Suns interior using seismic waves or “helioseismology” .
Planetary science investigates how planets form around stars and how they evolve over time. This information can help us understand not only our own Solar System but extrasolar planetary systems as well. Additionally, understanding planetary atmospheres can aid in developing models to predict climate change here on Earth. Space weather refers to conditions in near-Earth space that can impact human activities or technology either positively or negatively. For example, auroras are often considered a positive aspect of space weather while geomagnetic storms can cause widespread power outages by disrupting electrical grids around the world