SSALMON - The Solar Simulations for the Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) provides a new powerful tool for observing  the solar chromosphere at high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution, which will allow for addressing a wide range of scientific topics in solar physics. Numerical simulations of the solar atmosphere and modeling of instrumental effects are valuable tools for constraining, preparing and optimizing future observations with ALMA and for interpreting the results. In order to co-ordinate related activities, the Solar Simulations for the Atacama Large Millimeter Observatory Network (SSALMON) was initiated on September 1st, 2014, in connection with the NA- and EU-led solar ALMA development studies. As of April, 2015, SSALMON has grown to 83 members from 18 countries (plus ESO and ESA). Another important goal of SSALMON is to promote the scientific potential of solar science with ALMA, which has resulted in two major publications so far. During 2015, the SSALMON Expert Teams  produced a White Paper with potential science cases for Cycle 4, which will be the first time regular solar observations will be carried out. Registration and more information at http://www.ssalmon.uio.no.