Solar Orbiter
Observing the Sun at close distance will be provided by Solar Orbiter which is an approved ESA Flexi mission. It will be a unique platform for major advances in solar/heliospheric physics. Its novel orbit will enable repeated close-up observations of our star, yield a solar-stationary view by moving with the solar rotation, make a first-ever view of the Sun's poles and provide a first exploration of the innermost heliosphere. Among several instruments the Solar Orbiter will have a Radio Wave Instrument (RPW - Radio and Plasma Wave Analyzer), capable the observation of solar radio and plasma waves, and a Magnetometer (MAG) on board. Scientists from IWF are involved in corresponding preparations and project proposals.
More information on Solar Orbiter can be found at the ESA.
The Graz Team:
- Helmut O. Rucker, RPW-Calibration
- Manfred Sampl, RPW-Calibration
- Manfred Steller, RPW-DPU
- Harald Ottacher, RPW-DPU
- Wolfgang Baumjohann, MAG
- Werner Magnes, MAG