Solar Science & Data: Our Star, Observation, and Archive
The Sun is the closest star we can observe, a dynamic plasma ball that governs the physics of our solar system and drives Space Weather. Understanding how it works, its physics, and its cycles requires consistent observation. This page is your central guide to the essential safety standards, the detailed technology used for image acquisition, and the mathematical metrics applied to quantify solar activity for the Solar Data Archive.
Whether you’re interested in the fundamental physics of our star or the specific hardware used to track its activity, all key information is summarized here.
1. Observing Safely: The Solar Observation Guide
Observing the Sun is fascinating but requires strict adherence to safety standards to prevent permanent eye damage. This guide walks you through the essential rules and methodologies for solar observation.
Key Content:
- Safety First: Mandatory warnings regarding eyepiece filters and the absolute necessity of Full-Aperture Solar Filters.
- Methods: Detailed explanations of White-Light Observation, the Projection Technique, and the use of specialized filters (H-alpha and Calcium-K).
- Equipment: Which telescope types are suitable for each method.
Visit the Solar Observation Guide
2. The Solar Imaging System (SIS): The Technology Behind the Data
The scientific quality of the archive depends directly on the consistency and the imaging system. The SIS documentation discloses the specifications and protocol used for capturing the solar images for the archive.
Key Content:
- Hardware Specifications: Listing of the specialized optics, the Monochrome Sensor (ToupTek G3M178M), and the filter train.
- Methodology: The digital post-processing protocol, based on the Lucky Imaging technique (SER video sequences and AutoStakkert! stacking).
- Data Integrity: Transparent communication regarding the Archive Gap during the system upgrade period (Mid-August to Early October 2025).
Learn about our Solar Imaging System
3. The Solar Data Archive: Data, Facts, and the Cycle
The archive makes daily solar activity measurable and traceable. It contains the raw data and images used for calculating the primary solar metric—the Wolf Sunspot Number.
Key Content:
- Data Foundation: All sunspot counts are derived directly from the high-resolution SIS images.
- Comparability: Ensuring the long-term homogeneity of the data set.
- Future Development: Plans for the integration of further data types and visualisations.
Visit the Solar Data Archive
4. The Wolf Sunspot Number: The Key Metric R
The Wolf Sunspot Number R is the global metric for quantifying the 11-year Solar Cycle. This document explains the calculation and its scientific importance for tracking magnetic activity.
Key Content:
- The Formula: Explanation of the standardized calculation R = k (10g + s).
- Historical Standard: The role of the 80mm refractor from Zurich as the historical calibration point.
- Current Transparency: The statement that no scaling factor k=1 is currently applied until the data baseline exceeds six months.