The Primary Objectives of IHY | IHY's Science Goals | Coordinated Investigation Programmes | Scientific Disciplines | The Five Universal Process Science Themes | IHY Science Main Page

Heliophysical: A broadening of the concept "geophysical," extending the connections from the Earth to the Sun & interplanetary space. On the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year, the 2007 IHY activities will build on the success of IGY 1957 by continuing its legacy of system-wide studies of the extended heliophysical domain.

IHY's Objectives: How they link to our Science

Expand Image

The Primary Objectives of IHY are:

Advancing our Understanding of the Heliophysical Processes that Govern the Sun, Earth and Heliosphere

Continuing the tradition of international research and advancing the legacy on the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year

Demonstrating the Beauty, Relevance and Significance of Space and Earth Science to the World

IHY's priorities are set via its three primary objectives. The first objective, "Advancing our Understanding of the Heliophysical Processes that Govern the Sun, Earth and Heliosphere," focuses on our scientific activities.

The second objective, "Continuing the tradition of international research and advancing the legacy on the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year," refers to our commitment to preserving the history and legacy of the IGY and our cooperation with other IGY anniversary programs.

The third objective, "Demonstrating the Beauty, Relevance and Significance of Space and Earth Science to the World" reminds us of the tremendous opportunity in 2007-8 for outreach and education.

In order to satisfy our first objective, we have established a set of Science Goals. Scientists from each of the relevant scientific disciplines will participate in a wide variety of IHY Coordinated Investigation Programmes, driving towards a more complete understanding of heliophysical universal processes. We have divided the universal processes into five primary themes to facilitate analysis and discussion.

Science Goals

The goals of IHY are:

1. Develop the basic science of heliophysics through cross-disciplinary studies of universal processes.
2. Determine the response of terrestrial and planetary magnetospheres and atmospheres to external drivers.
3. Promote research on the Sun-heliosphere system outward to the local interstellar medium - the new frontier.
4. Foster international scientific cooperation in the study of heliophysical phenomena now and in the future.
5. Preserve the history and legacy of the IGY on its 50th Anniversary.
6. Communicate unique IHY results to the scientific community and the general public.

Scientific Disciplines

IHY's scientific activities will be organized via Coordinated Investigation Programmes (CIPs). We will drive towards a more complete understanding of the universal processes that govern the Sun, Earth, planets and heliosphere. This will involve scientists from a variety of disciplines:

• Solar Physics
• Planetary Magnetospheres
• Heliosphere and Cosmic Rays
• Planetary Ionospheres, Thermospheres and Mesospheres, and
• Climate Studies
• Meteors/Meteoroids

The analysis and discussion of the CIPs will focus on the fundamental underlying physics of each phenomenon, and will facilitate discussion between the different disciplines by focusing on the relationships between these phenomena and the commonalities in the physical processes. This will allow researchers to plan and participate in cross-disciplinary studies, culminating in a greater understanding of fundamental universal processes.

The Five Universal Process Science Themes

The establishment of the heliophysics as a basic science requires a cross-disciplinary comparative approach driving towards the underlying organizational principles and universal laws. To facilitate these goals, the science of universal processes is divided into five major themes. These themes focus on the underlying physics governing all of heliophysics. The subthemes indicate specific universal processes, around which the IHY Cooperative Scientific Activities will be organized. Plasma Physics of the Local Cosmos, by the Space Studies Board of the U.S. National Academy of Science, is the definitive publication for IHY's "Universal Processes" and interconnected heliophysical science. 2004.

The Five IHY Science Themes:

Theme 1: Evolution and Generation of Magnetic Structures and Transients


Theme 2: Energy Transfer and Coupling Processes


Theme 3: Flows and Circulations


Theme 4: Boundaries and Interfaces


Theme 5: Synoptic Studies of the 3-D Coupled Solar-Planetary-Heliospheric System

Theme 1: Evolution and Generation of Magnetic Structures and Transients

This theme includes comparative studies of magnetic structures, such as planetary magnetospheres (click figure to enlarge).

It also includes the study of the generation of magnetic transients, such as flares and Coronal Mass Ejections. CMEs are observed in the Sun's atmosphere:
	Jets and ejections have also been observed in Sun-like stars

Topics included in Theme 1:

Flux Ropes-Filaments Current Sheets Cellular Structures Turbulence Waves & Emissions

Solar (Stellar) Flares CMEs Substorms Bursty Bulk Flows

---

Theme 2: Energy Transfer and Coupling Processes

Get Involved - Getting Started
National and Regional Coordinators
Developing Nations Program
Education and Public Outreach
IGY History
IHY Supporting Organizations