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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
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Simulating Imaging of Large Scale Radio Arrays on the Lunar Surface
Published on: July 30, 2020
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Future Exploration of the Outer Heliosphere and Very Local Interstellar Medium by Interstellar Probe
P C Brandt1, E Provornikova1, S D Bale2
1The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD USA.
Space Science Reviews
|March 6, 2023
Summary
Exploring the Very Local Interstellar Medium (VLISM) requires new measurements of heliospheric interactions. An Interstellar Probe mission aims to gather crucial data on the VLISM and heliosphere
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Heliophysics
- Interstellar Medium
Background:
- The heliosphere's interaction with the Very Local Interstellar Medium (VLISM) remains poorly understood.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the properties of the VLISM and its influence on our solar system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify critical knowledge gaps in heliospheric-VLISM interactions.
- To predict future scientific discoveries in this field.
- To outline necessary measurements for advancing space physics research.
Main Methods:
- In-situ measurements of plasma and pick-up ions in the heliosheath.
- Direct sampling of VLISM properties (composition, density, flow, temperature).
- Remote imaging (Energetic Neutral Atom and Lyman-alpha) from unique vantage points.
Main Results:
- A pragmatic Interstellar Probe mission concept has been developed.
- The mission is designed to reach 375 Astronomical Units (au), with potential operations up to 550 au.
- The study details required measurements for understanding heliospheric shape and interstellar hydrogen interaction.
Conclusions:
- New in-situ and remote sensing measurements are essential for exploring the VLISM.
- The proposed Interstellar Probe mission is a viable pathway to address these research needs.
- Advancing our understanding of the heliosphere-VLISM interface promises significant scientific discoveries.
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