On September 2, 2023, India's Aditya-L1 mission embarked on a historic journey to study the Sun, sparking tremendous excitement among the solar physics community. As the scientific community eagerly anticipates the groundbreaking data from Aditya-L1, there is a unified call from the Indian solar physicists to gear up for the next generation of space missions. This initiative resonates with the progressive goals outlined in the Astronomical Society of India’s (ASI) vision document, which was crafted with substantial input from experts in the field.
In response to this burgeoning interest, the meeting "Beyond Aditya-L1: Exploring the Future of Indian Solar Physics from Space" was convened at ARIES, Nainital, from November 7 to November 9, 2023. The event saw several focus groups and task forces forming dedicated to devising new instruments and methodologies for solar and heliospheric research. Discussions highlighted the potential role of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in hosting subsequent meetings to delve into the outcomes of these groups and strategize further advancements in solar instrumentation.
Additionally, the Space Science Roadmap Formulation event, held at the U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bangalore, on April 22-23, 2024, included several talks and a half-day brainstorming session under the "Heliophysics and Space Weather" theme. This gathering concluded with a decision to draft a
comprehensive vision document for ISRO by August.
Given these developments, the timing is perfect for organizing a second meeting follow-up of the “Beyond Aditya-L1 Meeting of ARIES.” The proposed title for this meeting is "Discussion on India’s Next Leap in Solar and Heliospheric Exploration.” The meeting aims to unite solar physicists to deliberate on the future trajectory of India’s solar research initiatives from space and include discussions about ground-based developments and computational infrastructure. It will provide a pivotal forum for discussing strategic focus areas in solar physics, featuring insightful talks and group discussions to help shape the framework of future solar missions. This gathering is crucial for building on the momentum of Aditya-L1 and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the Sun.
This conference is being organized for the solar community of India and is also a component of the National Space Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Note: Participation in this meeting is by invitation only.
