The Importance of solar spectral irradiance to the Sun-Earth connection: Lessons-learned from SORCE and their relevance to future space missions
Jerry Harder
LASP, University of Colorado Boulder
The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) mission has provided for the first time solar spectral irradiance (SSI) observations over a full solar cycle time period with wavelength coverage from the X-ray through the near infrared. We discuss the lessons-learned from SORCE including the need to develop more effective methods to track on-orbit spectroscopic response and sensitivity degradation. This is especially important in using spectral irradiance as input to modern day chemistry-climate models. A basic requirement to obtain this essential climate record is to 1) perform preflight radiometric calibrations that are traceable SI standards and 2) design the instrument to have the ability to perform instrument-only sensitivity corrections to objectively account for on-orbit degradation. Current NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology) capabilities now permit the full characterization of the spectral radiometers response. Going forward, we discuss a compact spectral radiometer development that will couple with advances in CubeSat technology to permit shorter and more frequent missions without compromising measurement accuracy. We also discuss the development of a radiometric solar imager that will both greatly improve the interpretation of existing Sun-as-a-star irradiance observations and provide a bridge from our current irradiance capabilities to future high spatial/temporal resolution solar physics assets such as the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST).
Date: Jeudi, le 12 mars 2015 Heure: 11:30 Lieu: Université de Montréal Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, local D-460 Contact: Paul Charbonneau