About
three weeks ago, NASA launched the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), a
spacecraft designed to record and analyze solar activity from a geosynchronous
orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.
The
Solar Dynamics Observatory studies the solar atmosphere on small scales of
space and time and in many wavelengths simultaneously.
According
to the official SDO
site,
the observatory relays its information to a ground station in New
Mexico, which then transfers it to a
supercomputer array in Palo Alto, Calif. From
the site:
"The research is expected to reveal the sun's inner
workings by taking high-resolution images of the sun, collecting readings from
inside the sun and measuring its magnetic field activity. This data is expected
to give researchers the insight they need to eventually predict solar storms
and other activity on the sun that can affect spacecraft in orbit, astronauts
on the International Space Station, and electronic and other systems on Earth.
"… Images with 10 times greater resolution than
high-definition television, recorded every 0.75 seconds, will reveal every
nuance of solar activity. Because such fast cadences have never been attempted
before by an orbiting observatory, the potential for discovery is great. To
handle the load, NASA has set up a pair of dedicated radio antennas near Las
Cruces, New
Mexico. SDO's
geosynchronous orbit will keep the observatory in constant view of the two
18-meter dishes around the clock for the duration of the observatory's
five-year prime mission. Not a single bit should be lost."
The SDO
studies the solar atmosphere on small scales of space and time and in many
wavelengths simultaneously. It’s sending HD images for research and analysis at
a rate of 130M bps.
NASA
says the SDO will provide better-quality, more comprehensive science data
faster than any spacecraft currently studying the sun. Its analysis of solar
activity will help NASA track fluctuations in levels of ionizing radiation.
This radiation can affect polar aircraft flights, satellites, power grids, and
even the signals for GPS units,
television broadcasts and telecommunications.
The SDO
comprises three scientific tools:
-
The Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) is an
array of four telescopes that will observe the surface and atmosphere of the
sun. The AIA
filters cover 10 different wavelength bands that are selected to reveal key
aspects of solar activity.
-
The Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment
(EVE) will measure fluctuations in the sun’s ultraviolet output.
-
The Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) will
map solar magnetic fields and scan beyond the sun’s opaque surface using a
technique called helioseismology. A key goal of this experiment is to decipher
the physics of the sun’s magnetic dynamo.
The SDO
is currently en route to its final orbit, and it is expected to begin
transmitting data in mid-May.
What do you think about NASA’s latest exploratory venture?
Sound off in our comments section.
