Solar, Heliospheric and Ionospheric Physics: Pathfinders, Precursors and SKAO Perspective

The Solar, Heliospheric and Ionospheric (SHI) Physics Science Working Group of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) addresses the full chain of plasma processes linking the solar corona to the terrestrial environment. This overview chapter synthesises 16 topical contributions to Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA-II, spanning the quiet and active solar atmosphere, eruptive phenomena, heliospheric turbulence and solar-wind diagnostics, ionospheric science, stellar-solar connections, and the observational frameworks required to deliver these science goals. The primary focus is on the capabilities of Array Assembly 4 (AA4), the design baseline for both SKA-LOW (50-350,MHz) and SKA-MID (0.35-15.4,GHz), which together provide continuous spectral coverage, sub-arcsecond angular resolution, full-Stokes polarimetry, and sensitivity gains of an order of magnitude over existing facilities. From resolving fine-scale coronal heating events to mapping coronal mass ejection magnetic fields and characterising multi-scale heliospheric turbulence, SKAO will deliver transformative advances in solar and space-weather science. We frame these contributions as a single end-to-end Sun-to-Earth system. We identify cross-cutting themes and gaps not fully addressed by individual chapters and outline the staged roadmap from early operations through to the full AA4 capability.