Objective How well do we understand charged particle propagation in the solar system? This is an important topic for both astrophysics and space weather. Unfortunately, we still lack a fully predictive theory to this problem; a major challenge to this is the lack of cosmic-ray (CR) measurement throughout the solar system, as most data are measured locally on Earth. I propose to overcome this hurdle in my SolarIC project by using the solar inverse-Compton (IC) emission—produced by CR electrons scattering with Sunlight—as a remote probe for CR distribution throughout the solar system. I will achieve this through three main results. First, I will detect and analyze the solar IC emission with Fermi-LAT data to study its morphology and time dependence. Second, I will calculate the theoretical prediction of the solar IC emission for both GeV and MeV regimes, utilizing state-of-the-art CR simulations. This will be a theoretical foundation for interpreting the data. And for the first time, I will compute the polarization signatures of solar IC emission. Third, building on the previous two results, I will constrain and test contemporary models of CR propagation in the solar system through cross correlation of the Fermi-LAT data with the theory prediction. I will also perform a mock tomographic analysis of the solar IC emission, utilizing the polarization signature. This will be an important and novel prediction for the proposed future MeV space gamma-ray telescopes, such as e-ASTROGAM. Through my SolarIC project, I will demonstrate that solar IC emission can be used to provide valuable data and constraints on CR distribution in the solar system. This will be an important step leading to a better understanding of charged-particle propagation in the solar system, which will have significant impacts on many astrophysics disciplines including solar physics, cosmic-ray physics, neutrino astrophysics, and dark matter searches. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomygalactic astronomysolar physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesastronomyastrophysicsdark matter Keywords Gamma rays cosmic rays solar modulation dark matter neutrinos Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM Net EU contribution € 175 572,48 Address SPUI 21 1012WX Amsterdam Netherlands See on map Region West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 175 572,48
