Science with Large Solar Telescopes: Overview of SpS 6

Abstract

Abstract.With several large aperture optical and IR telescopes just coming on-line, or scheduled for the near future, solar physics is on the verge of a quantum leap in observational capabilities. An efficient use of such facilities will require new and innovative approaches to both observatory operations and data handling.This two-days long Special Session discussed the science expected with large solar telescopes, and started addressing the strategies necessary to optimize their scientific return. Cutting edge solar science as derived from state-of-the-art observations and numerical simulations and modeling was presented, and discussions were held on the role of large facilities in satisfying the demanding requirements of spatial and temporal resolution, stray-light correction, and spectropolarimetric accuracy. Building on the experience of recently commissioned telescopes, critical issues for the development of future facilities were discussed. These included operational issues peculiar to large telecopes as well as strategies for their best use.