The Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG)
Abstract
As a community facility, the National Solar Observatory is establishing a six-site ground-based solar observing network around the world. This Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) aims at essentially continuous imaged observations of global solar oscillations for a minimum of three years. Resulting data will be used to study the solar interior using helioseismology. The heart of the observing instrument is a thermally compensated, wide-field Fourier Techometer operated automatically by a computer control system. Data from the six GONG stations is expected to total over one gigabyte per day. Pipeline processing of these data will proceed contemporaneously, reducing the raw data to several standard product data sets at sustained throughput rates in excess of 6 megaflops and peak rates that may exceed 50 megaflops. In support of widespread scientific participation, software analysis tools based on the Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) and data distribution will be provided. Science teams have been formed and are actively supporting the project. The field instrument will reach the prototype stage in early 1989 and full operation of the network is expected in 1992.
Operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., under contract to the National Science Foundation.- Publication:
-
Advances in Space Research
- Pub Date:
- 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0273-1177(88)90304-3
- Bibcode:
- 1988AdSpR...8k.117H
- Keywords:
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- Helioseismology;
- Solar Observatories;
- Solar Oscillations;
- Image Analysis;
- International Cooperation;
- Solar Interior;
- Tachometers;
- Solar Physics