FASR Science Use Cases
FASR Science Use Cases
The Frequency Agile Solar Radiotelescope (FASR) is a next-generation, solar-dedicated radio observatory concept endorsed by the 2024–2033 Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey as the highest-priority ground-based instrument under the Mid-scale Research Infrastructure (MSRI) program. Designed to deliver broadband, high-cadence imaging spectroscopy across 0.2–20 GHz, FASR will open new frontiers in understanding the solar atmosphere—from the chromosphere to the corona.
The initial science drivers and reference design parameters for FASR were established through community white papers and technical studies. The current development phase builds on this foundation, expanding and refining the scientific vision with direct input from the heliophysics community.
FASR-Related Decadal Survey White Papers
Below is a curated list of FASR-related white papers submitted to the 2024–2033 Solar and Space Physics Decadal Survey, organized by science theme.
Quiet Sun / Synoptic
- Radio, Millimeter, Submillimeter Observations of the Quiet Sun — Adam Kobelski (adam.kobelski@nasa.gov)
- Synoptic Solar Radio Observations — Stephen White (stephen.white.24@us.af.mil)
- Measuring nonthermal properties of weak transients in the quiescent solar corona — Surajit Mondal (surajit.mondal@njit.edu)
Active Regions
- Solar Active Region Coronal Magnetic Fields: Quantitative Measurements at Radio Wavelengths — Dale Gary (dgary@njit.edu)
- Constraining coronal abundances with a combination of high resolution EUV and microwave data — Gregory Fleishman (gfleishm@njit.edu)
Solar Flares and CMEs
- Quantifying Solar Flare Energy Release — Bin Chen (bin.chen@njit.edu)
- Particle Acceleration and Transport — Dale Gary (dgary@njit.edu)
- Radio Studies of CMEs and CME Progenitors — Bin Chen (bin.chen@njit.edu)
Middle Corona
- Radio Studies of the Middle Corona — Bin Chen (bin.chen@njit.edu)
Space Weather
- Diagnostics of Space Weather Drivers Enabled by Radio Observations — Pascal Saint-Hilaire (shilaire@berkeley.edu)
- Extreme solar radio bursts — Stephen White (stephen.white.24@us.af.mil)
Beyond the Sun
- Long-lasting solar coherent radio bursts and implications for solar-stellar connection — Sijie Yu (sjyu@njit.edu)
Overall Science / Instrument / Technique
- Main FASR science/instrument paper — Dale Gary (dgary@njit.edu)
FASR Science Working Groups (SWGs)
Science use cases are being developed and evaluated within four current Science Working Groups, spanning the major areas of solar radio physics.
SWG1: Magnetic Reconnection & Particle Acceleration
Probing the physics of energy release, particle acceleration, and the formation of flare-accelerated populations during solar flares and eruptive events.
SWG2: Coronal Magnetography
Mapping coronal magnetic fields using advanced radio diagnostics to understand field topology, dynamics, and their role in structuring the solar atmosphere.
SWG3: Coronal Heating & Solar Wind Acceleration
Investigating the conversion of magnetic energy into thermal and kinetic energy, including mechanisms that heat the corona and drive the solar wind.
SWG4: Drivers of Space Weather
Characterizing solar activity that perturbs the heliosphere and affects the geospace environment, improving our ability to forecast space-weather conditions.
Contributing a FASR Science Use Case
The FASR project welcomes additional science use cases from the broader heliophysics community as it advances through the Conceptual Design Phase. Community input will directly inform decisions about:
- observing modes
- frequency coverage and resolution
- calibration and data processing requirements
- standard and high-level data products
- long-term science priorities
Reference FASR Specifications
The working reference design below is evolving with community input—new science use cases help refine these targets and trade-offs.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Angular resolution | 20″/νGHz (≈1″ @ 20 GHz) |
| Dynamic range | > 1000:1 |
| Frequency range | 200 MHz–20 GHz |
| Data channels | 2 (dual polarization) |
| Bandwidth | 4 GHz per channel |
| Frequency resolution | Instrumental: 125 kHz; Science: min(1%, 5 MHz) |
| Time resolution | 1 ms (full spectrum) |
| Polarization | Full Stokes (IQUV) |
| Antennas deployed | A (2–20 GHz): 120; B (0.2–2 GHz): 60 |
| Antenna sizes | A (2–20 GHz): 2 m; B (0.2–2 GHz): 6 m |
| Array size | 4 × 5 km |
| Absolute positions | 1 arcsec |
| Absolute flux calibration | Better than 10% |
If you are interested in submitting a new science use case for consideration, please fill out the FASR Science Use Case form (link to be provided), and email the completed document to the FASR Science Working Group.
Example Science Use Case Templates
The following example templates illustrate the level of detail and structure that are helpful for FASR science use cases:
- Mapping Coronal Magnetic Fields During Solar Eruptions
- Investigation of compact transient structures in the low corona
We encourage contributions across the full spectrum of heliosphysics, from foundational plasma physics to operational space weather forecasting. Your input will help ensure that FASR is designed to address the most compelling scientific questions of the coming decades.