A global SOLIS vector spectromagnetograph (VSM) network

K. V. Streander; M. S. Giampapa; J. W. Harvey; C. J. Henney; A. A. Norton

doi:10.1117/12.802348

9 July 2008 A global SOLIS vector spectromagnetograph (VSM) network

K. V. Streander, M. S. Giampapa, J. W. Harvey, C. J. Henney, A. A. Norton

Proceedings Volume 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II; 70147P (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.802348
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

Understanding the Sun's magnetic field related activity is far from complete as reflected in the limited ability to make accurate predictions of solar variability. To advance our understanding of solar magnetism, the National Solar Observatory (NSO) constructed the Synoptic Optical Long-term Investigations of the Sun (SOLIS) suite of instruments to conduct high precision optical measurements of processes on the Sun whose study requires sustained observations over long time periods. The Vector Spectromagnetograph (VSM), the principal SOLIS instrument, has been in operation since 2003 and obtains photospheric vector data, as well as photospheric and chromospheric longitudinal magnetic field measurements. Instrument performance is being enhanced by employing new, high-speed cameras that virtually freeze seeing, thus improving sensitivity to measure the solar magnetic field configuration. A major operational goal is to provide real-time and near-real-time data for forecasting space weather and increase scientific yield from shorter duration solar space missions and ground-based research projects. The National Solar Observatory proposes to build two near-duplicates of the VSM instrument and place them at international sites to form a three-site global VSM network. Current electronic industry practice of short lifetime cycles leads to improved performance and reduced acquisition costs but also to redesign costs and engineering impacts that must be minimized. The current VSM instrument status and experience gained from working on the original instrument is presented herein and used to demonstrate that one can dramatically reduce the estimated cost and fabrication time required to duplicate and commission two additional instruments.

Citation Download Citation

K. V. Streander, M. S. Giampapa, J. W. Harvey, C. J. Henney, and A. A. Norton "A global SOLIS vector spectromagnetograph (VSM) network", Proc. SPIE 7014, Ground-based and Airborne Instrumentation for Astronomy II, 70147P (9 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.802348

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