GONG Magnetograms
Abstract
Line-of-sight photospheric magnetograms are produced every minute at GONG's six sites. Information on the solar atmospheric field can most reliably be derived from photospheric data, from which the model coronal field is then extrapolated. Limitations of incomplete temporal coverage, poor sensitivity and poor knowledge of the zero point of the measurements often limit the usefulness of such data. Recent efforts to improve the quality of GONG magnetograms have yielded encouraging results. All modulators and driving circuitry have been replaced, improving the sensitivity, accuracy and zero point by orders of magnitude. Improvements to the existing data include a zero-point correction and histogram equating of magnetograms. These improvements ensure that past and future data from GONG will provide unique continuous, high-cadence, sensitive coverage of the photospheric magnetic field. GONG is the official provider of magnetograms for NASA's STEREO mission.
- Publication:
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AAS/Solar Physics Division Meeting #37
- Pub Date:
- June 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006SPD....37.0708P