Abstract

The Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI) is an internationally coordinated observing and modeling effort to characterize the 3-dimensional interconnected solar-heliospheric-planetary system - a.k.a. the "heliophysical" system. The heart of the WHI campaign is the study of the interconnected 3-D helio... Show moreThe Whole Heliosphere Interval (WHI) is an internationally coordinated observing and modeling effort to characterize the 3-dimensional interconnected solar-heliospheric-planetary system - a.k.a. the "heliophysical" system. The heart of the WHI campaign is the study of the interconnected 3-D heliophysical domain, from the interior of the Sun, to the Earth, outer planets, and into interstellar space. WHI observing campaigns began with the 3-D solar structure from solar Carrington Rotation 2068, which ran from March 20 - April 16, 2008. Observations and models of the outer heliosphere and planetary impacts extend beyond those dates as necessary; for example, the solar wind transit time to outer planets can take months. WHI occurred during solar minimum, which optimizes our ability to characterize the 3-D heliosphere and trace the structure to the outer limits of the heliosphere. Highlights include the 3-D reconstruction of the solar wind and complex geospace response during this solar minimum, contrasts with the past solar minimum, and the effect of transient activity on the "quiet" heliosphere. Nearly 200 scientists are participated in WHI data and modeling efforts, ensuring that the WHI integrated observations and models will give us a "new view" of the heliophysical system. A summary of some of the key results from the WHI first workshop in August 2008 will be given. Show less