Operation Tanned Antennas: Studies of Solar Physics and Space Weather with INAF Radio Telescopes

The observation of the solar disc is of dual interest, both scientific and practical. On the one hand, we have the opportunity to probe important fundamental astrophysical processes and plasma physics; on the other, we can investigate applications related to “space weather”. In particular, solar imaging in the centimetre to millimetre band
allows us to obtain interesting measurements relating to the vertical structure of the solar atmosphere and the peculiar phenomena that occur within it (e.g. solar flares). These processes have important impacts on both terrestrial physics and space, electrical and telecommunications technology on
our planet.
Although single-dish radio observation technologies are not specifically dedicated to the Sun, they can be strategically integrated into the international landscape of solar observation facilities and their vast scientific and technological user base.