Speaker
Description
First Name: Chitradeep
Last Name: Saha
Affiliation: University of Reading
All authors: Chitradeep Saha, Daniele Calchetti, Lakshmi Pradeep Chitta, Nancy Narang, Đorđe Mijović, Adriana De-Sassi
Abstract: The magnetic field in the Sun’s polar regions can shape the large-scale structure of the solar corona, and pervades throughout the heliosphere. The polar magnetic field also serves as the seed for the 11-year sunspot cycle which in turn is governed by a solar dynamo mechanism. Despite its importance, direct observations of the polar magnetic environment have been limited by low signals and foreshortening effects. With the Solar Orbiter mission’s first high-latitude passage in March 2025, reaching approximately 17 degrees out of the ecliptic, and even higher-inclined orbits planned in the future, we now have an unprecedented opportunity to obtain a clearer perspective of the solar poles. In this study, we analyse south polar observations from the SO/PHI instrument, with particular emphasis on the strong, predominantly unipolar magnetic patches on the solar surface. We track their properties and temporal evolution on hourly timescales, and investigate the role of supergranular flows in their formation and dynamics. These observations provide a sneak preview of upcoming higher-latitude passages. Future campaigns will also allow for larger statistical samples to advance our understanding of solar polar magnetism.