In Situ Detection of the Solar Eruption: Lay a Finger on the Sun

This paper is to introduce a proposed deep space mission, which aims to perform in situ detection of the central structure, namely the magnetic reconnection current sheet, which drives the large-scale eruption on a star. The main focus of this mission is on the fine physical characteristics of the large-scale magnetic reconnection taking place on the Sun, our nearest star, revealing the secret of the most violent energy release process, also known as the solar storm, in the solar system. The scientific goal of this mission, magnetic reconnection, is a kernel process of energy conversion occurring in the magnetized plasma in the universe, and has long been a fairly important research topic or even research area in solar physics, space science, plasma physics, and the related fields. The in situ detection with a 5∼20 times enhanced spatial resolution of the instruments used on the Earth will provide us with the extra-clear images of the Sun and the related information. We are thus able to study, to learn, and to understand the Sun on an unprecedented platform, and further resolve the longstanding puzzle in the solar community regarding the fine physical property of the kernel process driving the solar eruption, as well as that of the coronal heating.