Solaris is a scientific and technological project aimed at the development of a smart Solar monitoring system at high radio frequencies based on single-dish imaging techniques. It combines the implementation of a dedicated and interchangeable 100 GHz receiver on existing small radio telescope systems (1.5/2.6m class) available in our laboratories in Milan, in the Alps and in Antarctica, to be adapted for Solar observations.

The Solaris Observatory is designed for operations in Antarctica, that will offer unique observing conditions (very low sky opacity and long Solar exposures) and unprecedented Solar monitoring in radio W-band. This will be achieved through state-of-the-art single-dish imaging techniques at radio frequencies, that allows to map the entire Solar disk in less than 30 min with spatial resolution of a few arcminutes. This opens for the identification and spectral analysis of Active Regions before, after and during the occurrence of Solar flares. These system features will allow Solaris to explore cutting-edge aspects of Solar Physics (e.g. chromosphere dynamic monitoring) and Space Weather applications (e.g. flare forecast). 

Solaris can perform continuous Solar imaging observations nearly 20h/day during Antarctic summer exploiting the observation facility OASI existing in East Antarctica at Mario Zucchelli Station. The project mostly uses existing expertise and instrumentation yet available at the Universities and INAF laboratories of our collaboration. We intend to offer to the scientific community a very competitive tool and to young scientists a unique opportunity of professional growth in the challenging multi-disciplinary framework of Solar Physics and Space Weather science.

The Solaris observatory will be the only Solar facility offering continuous monitoring at 100 GHz, and it will be able to collect and disseminate data in synergy with the existing national and international network of Space Weather facilities.

The scientific and technological background of Solaris also relies on the innovative solar observations performed by our groups with large single-dish radiotelescopes at lower radio frequencies (Project SunDish).

Solaris Team is growing up! About 40 researcher, technologists and technicians involved so far. A relevant aspect of the Solaris action will be to raise several young scientists and technicians to guarantee further continuity to different Solaris observation sites. The opportunity to work in university departments and INAF laboratories will allow continuous formation and selection of the people who will operate in polar regions. Join us!

Solaris long-term plan includes the possible development of a further Solaris station in the northern hemisphere (Scandinavian/Arctic site) to have a unique H24 solar monitoring for the whole year.