: a branch of astrophysics that deals primarily with the behavior of the sun and its effects on other celestial bodies in the solar system
… in heliophysics, ongoing and future studies are exploring the floods of charged particles emanating from the Sun.Alexandra Witze
Despite plenty of advances in heliophysics and atmospheric science, much about the northern lights remains a mystery.Daisy Dobrijevic and Stephanie Waldek
Using a free app … citizen scientists can help advance heliophysics research by capturing as many images of the Sun as possible just before and after the solar eclipse.Sharmila Kuthunur
compare solar physics

Word History

Etymology

helio- + physics

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heliophysics was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Heliophysics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heliophysics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

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