One basic research objective relevant to NSWP is to understand the processes by which coronal mass ejections occur, including the factors that influence their sizes, shapes, masses, speeds and magnetic field configurations. Equally important is an understanding of solar activity in general. This requires study of how the solar dynamo works and the identification of precursors to solar activity, such as short term development of active regions and the long term build-up of polar magnetic fields. This involves the dynamics of magnetic energy in the solar corona and the role of magnetic fields in the occurrence of flares. It is also important to understand the origins of high energy solar particles and how they propagate through the interplanetary medium.
Similar processes play a role in modulating the fluxes of cosmic rays originating in galactic space.
Solar radiation at UV, EUV, and soft X-ray wavelengths has a direct effect on Earth's atmosphere. Research in this area is aimed at understanding the variability of the Sun at these wavelengths and how this variability influences the state of the ionosphere and thermosphere. The origin of solar radio noise, which impacts communication systems, must also be understood. Finally, the solar wind has direct influence on the state of Earth's magnetosphere, so it is vital that we understand the processes by which the solar wind is heated and accelerated in the solar corona, as well as the transient perturbations and shocks created by flares and CMEs. Many Space Weather applications require knowledge of the particle populations and electromagnetic fields throughout the magnetosphere.