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Adv. Space Rex Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 431-432.2002 0 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR

Printed in Great Britain 0273-l 177/02 $22.00 + 0.00

PII: SO273-1177(02)00318-6

PREFACE

May 10, 2001

More than 4 years after the start of the SOHO observing campaign, it

is a critical moment for reviewing our understanding of the solar corona,

its heating and its acceleration. Joined by data from other solar spacecraft,

YOHKOH, and TRACE, we can now evaluate our progress in understanding

the related physical processes.

For the acceleration of the wind, important observational data were

rapidly obtained and interpreted based on early observations. If the impor-

tant physical processes continue to provoke arguments amongst the experts,

at least the situation regarding the distribution of velocity fields in space

and amongst the constituent particles is becoming clear.

The situation for the heating of the corona is more difficult. There is no

simple observational parameter, such as velocity, which is a direct measure

of the effect. We advance steadily, by sophisticated theoretical modelling,

followed by observational tests for the validity. Today there remain three or

four apparently distinct models for explaining the coronal heating. In this

symposium, we were fortunate in receiving excellent reviews covering each

of these ideas, showing the considerable progress that is being made using

new high-quality observations and theory. In addition, the question of solar

activity and flares attracted a number of interesting papers, many of which

were presented in the form of posters. It is becoming clear that the processes

of heating and acceleration are not totally separate. The energy and mo-

mentum input exist probably in a similar form throughout the corona, the

result depending on whether the magnetic field structure is open or closed.

This realisation places additional constraints on the interpretations possi- ble. The subject is now at a most interesting phase, with major advances

in understanding to be expected over the next few years.

This volume of “Advances in Space Research” contains the proceedings

of the symposium E2.1/D2.3 “Heating and Energetics of the Solar Corona

and Solar Wind”, held in Warsaw in 2000. The Scientific Organizer was

431

432 Preface.

A.H. Gabriel. The following poeple served on the Programme Committee :

E. Antonucci, F. Bely-Dubau (Editor), B. Fleck, R. Howard, P. G. Judge,

J. Karpen, T. Kosugi, V. Oraevsky, and J.-Y. Prado. The organizers would

like to thank all who contributed to making this symposium a success. The editor wishes to thank the following scientists who refereed these pa-

pers: E. Antonucci, A. Benz, J.L. Culhane, G. Dulk, S. Galtier, R. Grappin,

Hoang Sang, P. Janhumen, P. Lemaire, H. Masson, D. Pike, D. Spadaro,

B. Schmieder, P.L. Sulem and N. Vilmer.

Alan Gabriel

Fransoise Bely-Dubau