Near and Far: Connections between Space Science and Astronomy
There are fascinating parallels between our solar wind and the stellar winds emitted from other stars. Viewing the sun as a star, there are some basic quantities such as mass loss rate and luminosity variations that would increase the usefulness of solar data to those studying stars. It is remarkable that our remote observing capabilities have advanced to the degree that we can image stellar coronae including gross features of their magnetic anatomy. Emission measure distributions from our Sun and other stars are compared to understand coronal structure, abundances, coronal heating, flares and nanoflares. These emission measure distributions are perhaps the most obvious comparative example, and are now heavily used for solar and stellar comparison.
Solar and Stellar photometry was also raised as an important comparative example. In this context we are learning important lessons about the potential (and apparently limited) variability of solar irradiance in the past. We are still scratching our collective heads about how much irradiance variations may have contributed to major climate trends in the past. The controversy surrounding this subject is understandable considering the far-reaching implications such studies have for the future of our planet and modern civilization.
The results of the meeting have highlighted the importance of the links between astronomy and space science. However, we did not have sufficient time to pursue the extended discussion for which these meetings were designed. Clearly, in future meetings we must return to the topic of comparative studies of space science and astronomy. To facilitate greater dialogue, it has been suggested that contributions should be limited to three viewgraphs addressing the following key points:
As always, many thanks to contributors and participants for the remarkably high level of discussion, interest, and successful integration of this strong multi-institutional forum.
Nathan Schwadron
Boston University
Dept. of Astronomy
725 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
phone: (617) 358-4365
fax: (617) 353-5704