Solar and Space Physics

Solar and Space Physics, from the National Research Council s Committee on a Decadal Strategy for Solar and Space Physics (Heliophysics), is the second NRC decadal survey in heliophysics. Building on the research accomplishments realized during the past decade, the report presents a program of basic and applied research for the period 2013-2022 that will improve scientific understanding of the mechanisms that drive the Sun s activity and the fundamental physical processes underlying near-Earth plasma dynamics, determine the physical interactions of Earth s atmospheric layers in the context of the connected Sun-Earth system, and enhances greatly the capability to provide realistic and specific forecasts of Earth s space environment that will better serve the needs of society. Although the recommended program is directed primarily at NASA and the National Science Foundation, the report also recommends actions by other federal agencies, especially the parts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charged with the day-to-day (operational) forecast of space weather.