Letters of Intent received in 2017

LoI 2019-1992
Solar and Stellar Magnetic Fields: Origins and Manifestations

Topics

1. New observational diagnostics of magnetic fields
2. Progress in understanding the solar/stellar interior dynamics and dynamo
3. Stellar rotation and activity cycles
4. Role of magnetic fields in solar and stellar chromospheres
5. Formation, structure and dynamics of solar and stellar coronae and winds
6. Role of magnetic fields in solar and stellar variability
7. Mechanisms of flaring and CME activity on the Sun and stars
8. Magnetic fields of the solar analogs
9. Advances in instrumentation, theory and numerical simulations
10. Observations of solar and stellar eclipses

Rationale

The main goal of the Symposium is to bring together solar and stellar astronomers to discuss common problems related to the origin of solar and stellar magnetic fields and their atmospheric and coronal effects. Recent observational advances convincingly demonstrated that the progress in our understanding of how magnetic fields are generated, emerge from the interior, form active regions, and cause powerful eruptions can be achieved only by developing a unified approach and studying relationships between solar and stellar magnetism. Solar magnetic fields and their effects have been studied with high resolution and motivated detailed theoretical modeling. Traditionally, the results and concepts of solar research are applied to other stars. However, observations of stellar magnetic fields and activity have substantially expanded the framework of solar studies, and created new challenges that need to be addressed. For example, the discovery of superflares on solar-type stars raised questions about the structure and dynamics of magnetic fields that can be substantially different from the case of solar flares. Investigations of stellar cycles have shown that the solar dynamo may be in transition between periods of high and low activity. Investigation of relationships between the solar and stellar magnetism has become critically important for both fields. Therefore, it is very timely to overview the current state of solar and stellar magnetism studies, exchange recent results and ideas, and discuss needs and plans for further investigations.

The IAU Symposium will provide an ideal venue for such interdisciplinary discussion. The Symposium will bring together experts from various fields of solar physics, observers, theorists and modelers, to discuss recent advances, exchange ideas, make future plans, and develop new collaborations. This Symposium is proposed in conjunction with the total solar eclipse in Chile and Argentina. The total solar eclipses are very rare phenomena that usually draw public attention, but they have substantially contributed to our understanding of the Sun, and to astronomy, in general. Therefore, we plan holding a special open session for presenting initial results of scientific observations of the eclipse. In addition, we plan to organize public lectures, discussions and other activities to promote astronomical education and research in South America.