Driving Towards A More Diverse Space Physics Research Community Perspectives Initiatives Strategies And Actions

Driving Towards a More Diverse Space Physics Research Community – Perspectives, Initiatives, Strategies, and Actions

Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences: A Decade of Discovery and Advancement - 10th Anniversary Conference

This Research Topic collects papers centered around the presentations delivered by esteemed speakers during our 10th anniversary conference, which took place between 2 April and 5 April 2024, offering valuable insights on the progress made over the last decade in Astronomy and Space Science. Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences marks a significant milestone as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, a testament to its unwavering commitment to pioneering research and innovation in the realm of Astronomy and Space Sciences. To honor this achievement, the journal is hosting a conference, "A Decade of Discovery and Advancement - Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences 10th Anniversary." This event serves as a platform for leading experts and researchers from across the globe to convene, exchange ideas, and collectively shape the future trajectory of the field.

Solar and Space Physics

From the interior of the Sun, to the upper atmosphere and near-space environment of Earth, and outward to a region far beyond Pluto where the Sun's influence wanes, advances during the past decade in space physics and solar physics-the disciplines NASA refers to as heliophysics-have yielded spectacular insights into the phenomena that affect our home in space. Solar and Space Physics, from the National Research Council's (NRC's) Committee for a Decadal Strategy in Solar and Space Physics, is the second NRC decadal survey in heliophysics. Building on the research accomplishments realized during the past decade, the report presents a program of basic and applied research for the period 2013-2022 that will improve scientific understanding of the mechanisms that drive the Sun's activity and the fundamental physical processes underlying near-Earth plasma dynamics, determine the physical interactions of Earth's atmospheric layers in the context of the connected Sun-Earth system, and enhance greatly the capability to provide realistic and specific forecasts of Earth's space environment that will better serve the needs of society. Although the recommended program is directed primarily at NASA and the National Science Foundation for action, the report also recommends actions by other federal agencies, especially the parts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration charged with the day-to-day (operational) forecast of space weather. In addition to the recommendations included in this summary, related recommendations are presented in this report.