Solar Open Questions Requiring Submillimetre Observations

Ascertain, using submillimetre observations, the thermal structure and heating mechanisms of the solar chromosphere; explain the origin of submillimetre/millimetre flare emission and solar prominences; and characterize variability across the solar activity cycle.

Background

The submillimetre/millimetre regime probes the solar chromosphere and flare-associated phenomena with unique diagnostics. Despite prior observations, multiple fundamental aspects of solar physics remain unresolved and require submillimetre data.

The authors list specific open questions: understanding chromospheric thermal structure and heating, determining the origin of flare submillimetre/millimetre emission and prominences, and characterizing the solar cycle in this wavelength regime.