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What are the astrophysical conditions and processes involved in particle acceleration, and the subsequent transport of energy through space plasma?

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LISSAN: Large Imaging Spectrometer for Solar Accelerated Nuclei

Pair of grids 🡪 moiré patterns on the coarsely segmented detectors

~ STIX instrument Solar Orbiter but 5 times longer and 50 times heavier!

We know very little about ion acceleration and transport, and the relation to electron acceleration. LISSAN will:

image ion interaction sites in the 2.2 MeV line from neutron capture down to GOES M3 flares;
producing up to a few dozen frames during a GOES X-class flare;
comparing with X-ray images.

Schematic of γ-ray module

FOXSI: Focusing Optics X-ray Solar Imager

Focal length of 14m achieved using Wolter-I optics, and an extendable structure.

Characterize the earliest observable consequences of coronal magnetic energy release, namely accelerated electrons and plasma heating that drive solar eruptive events;
Temperature and composition diagnostics of flare plasma with SXR spectroscopy

SISA: Spectral Imaging of the Solar Atmosphere

Off-axis parabolic telescope + array of slicer mirrors with curved diffraction gratings,

2D spectral images with 1 sec cadence 🡪 properties of plasma environment
Maps of the coronal magnetic field strength (at T ∼ 1 MK), routinely for the first time.

What are the astrophysical conditions and processes involved in particle acceleration, and the subsequent transport of energy through space plasma?

How does impulsive energy release accelerate particles in the solar atmosphere?

How is impulsively released energy transported and dissipated in the solar atmosphere?

What are the physical low-corona origins of space-weather events?

How is the corona above active regions heated?

Mission profile

+ 3-year extension