The detection of “magnetic element” – Why we need a one-meter Space Solar Telescope

The nature of a magnetic element, the elemental structure of the solar magnetic field, is one of the most important mysteries in solar physics. In this paper, we will discuss the requirements of magnetic element detection, such as spatial resolution and magnetic sensitivity. By these discussions, we conclude that it is almost impossible to detect magnetic element with currently used ground-based telescopes and techniques. The proposed Space Solar Telescope, a one-meter Chinese space project, can match these requirements.