Engineering topics

Cebula, Richard P.

Publications and source records attributed to Cebula, Richard P..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS2011

Solar UV Variations During the Decline of Cycle 23

Characterization of temporal and spectral variations in solar ultraviolet irradiance over a solar cycle is essential for understanding the forcing of Earth's atmosphere and climate. Satellite measurements of solar UV variability for solar cycles 21, 22, and 23 show consistent solar cycle irradiance changes at key wavelengths (e.g. 205 nm, 250 nm) within instrumental uncertainties. All historical data sets also show the same relative spectral dependence for both short-term (rotational) and long-term (solar cycle) variations. Empirical solar irradiance models also produce long-term solar UV variations that agree well with observational data. Recent UV irradiance data from the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM) and Solar Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) instruments covering the declining phase of Cycle 23 present a different picture oflong-term solar variations from previous results. Time series of SIM and SOLSTICE spectral irradiance data between 2003 and 2007 show solar variations that greatly exceed both previous measurements and predicted irradiance changes over this period, and the spectral dependence of the SIM and SOLSTICE variations during these years do not show features expected from solar physics theory. The use of SORCE irradiance variations in atmospheric models yields substantially different middle atmosphere ozone responses in both magnitude and vertical structure. However, short-term solar variability derived from SIM and SOLSTICE UV irradiance data is consistent with concurrent solar UV measurements from other instruments, as well as previous results, suggesting no change in solar physics. Our analysis of short-term solar variability is much less sensitive to residual instrument response changes than the observations of long-term variations. The SORCE long-term UV results can be explained by under-correction of instrument response changes during the first few years of measurements, rather than requiring an unexpected change in the physical behavior of the Sun.

DeLand, Matthew, T.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Observations of Solar Spectral Irradiance Change During Cycle 22 from NOAA-9 SBUV/2

The NOM-9 Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet, model 2 (SBUV/2) instrument is one of a series of instruments providing daily solar spectral irradiance measurements in the middle and near ultraviolet since 1978. The SBUV/2 instruments are primarily designed to measure stratospheric profile and total column ozone, using the directional albedo as the input to the ozone processing algorithm. As a result, the SBUV/2 instrument does not have onboard monitoring of all time-dependent response changes. We have applied internal comparisons and vicarious (external) comparisons to determine the long-term instrument characterization for NOAA-9 SBUV/2 to derive accurate solar spectral irradiances from March 1985 to May 1997 spanning two solar cycle minima with a single instrument. The NOAA-9 data show an amplitude of 9.3(+/- 2.3)% (81-day averaged) at 200-205 nm for solar cycle 22. This is consistent with the result of (Delta)F(sub 200-205) = 8.3(+/- 2.6)% for cycle 21 from Nimbus-7 SBUV and (Delta)F(sub 200-205) = 10(+/- 2)% (daily values) for cycle 23 from UARS SUSIM. NOAA-9 data at 245-250 nm show a solar cycle amplitude of (Delta)F(sub 245-250) = 5.7(+/- 1.8)%. NOAA-9 SBUV/2 data can be combined with other instruments to create a 25-year record of solar UV irradiance.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Observations of "Hystereris" in Backscattered Ultraviolet Ozone Data

The backscattered ultraviolet (BUV) technique has been used for almost 3 decades to monitor global total ozone and the distribution of ozone in the stratosphere. Satellite BUV measurements in the 250-340 mn wavelength region are technically challenging because the Earth's radiance varies by approximately 4 orders of magnitude during a single scan. Further, the observed signal increases by over three orders of magnitude in about 2 minutes as the satellite emerges into daylight. The gain of the instrument's photomultiplier tube (PMT) detector is low when the spacecraft first emerges into the sunlit portion of the orbit relative to the gain observed after the PMT has experienced moderately high current levels. This "hysteresis" effect was first observed on the Nimbus-7 SBUV and TOMS instruments. The effect is difficult to characterize prelaunch because of the high signal levels and rapid variations required. We have recently observed and quantified the hysteresis effect for the NOAA-9 SBUV/2 instrument, which collected ozone data from February 1985 to February 1998. The instrument gain is observed to be up to 3% low at high solar zenith angles [Chi = 85-90 degrees] in the emergent hemisphere (i.e. Southern Hemisphere at launch). The gain error decreases as the SZA decreases and average PMT current increases, and is generally negligible for Chi < 65 degrees. The magnitude of the hysteresis effect varies with season, and exhibits long-term changes as the NOAA-9 sun-synchronous orbit drifts. In the latter portion of the record, when the spacecraft emerged from the dark in the Northern Hemisphere, hysteresis effects were then observed in the North. NOAA-9 total ozone errors due to the hysteresis effect are typically on the order of 2%, but can reach 5% in extreme cases. We have developed a quantitative correction for the hysteresis effect that incorporates both seasonal and long-term variations in magnitude. Results of similar analyses for the NOAA-11 and NOAA-14 SBUV/2 instruments will also be discussed. The characterization of the hysteresis effect in high solar zenith angle SBUV/2 ozone data represents a significant step towards reconciling polar ozone measurements from different satellite instruments.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1998

SSBUV and NOAA-11 SBUV/2 Solar Variability Measurements

The Shuttle SBUV (SSBUV) and NOAA-11 SBUV/2 instruments measured solar spectral UV irradiance during the maximum and declining phase of solar cycle 22. The SSB UV data accurately represent the absolute solar UV irradiance between 200-405 nm, and also show the long-term variations during eight flights between October 1989 and January 1996. These data have been used to correct long-term sensitivity changes in the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 data, which provide a near-daily record of solar UV variations over the 170-400 nm region between December 1988 and October 1994. The NOAA-11 data demonstrate the evolution of short-term solar UV activity during solar cycle 22.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1998

SSBUV and NOAA-11 SBUV/2 Solar Variability Measurements

The Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) and NOAA-II Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet/2 (SBUV/2) instruments measured solar spectral Ultraviolet (UV) irradiance during the maximum and declining phase of solar cycle 22. The SSB UV data accurately represent the absolute solar UV irradiance between 200-405 nanometers, and also show the long-term variations during eight flights between October 1989 and January, 1996. These data have been used to correct long-term sensitivity changes in the NOAA-II SBUV/2 data, which provide a near-daily record of solar UV variations over the 170 to 400 nanometer region between December 1988 and October 1994. The NOAA-II data demonstrate the evolution of short-term solar UV activity during solar cycle 22.

Deland, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Solar Spectral Irradiance Measurements from the SBUV/2-Series and the SSBUV Instruments

During this period of performance, 1 March 1997 - 31 August 1997, the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 solar spectral irradiance data set was validated using both internal and external assessments. Initial quality checking revealed minor problems with the data (e.g. residual goniometric errors, that were manifest as differences between the two scans acquired each day). The sources of these errors were determined and the errors were corrected. Time series were constructed for selected wavelengths and the solar irradiance changes measured by the instrument were compared to a Mg II proxy-based model of short- and long-term solar irradiance variations. This analysis suggested that errors due to residual, uncorrected long-term instrument drift have been reduced to less than 1-2% over the entire 5.5 year NOAA-11 data record. Detailed statistical analysis was performed. This analysis, which will be documented in a manuscript now in preparation, conclusively demonstrates the evolution of solar rotation periodicity and strength during solar cycle 22.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1997

SBUV/2 Long-Term Measurements of Solar Spectral Variability

The NOAA-11 SBUV/2 spectral solar data have been corrected for long-term instrument changes to produce a 5.5 year data record during solar cycle 22 (December 1988 - October 1994). Residual drifts in the data at long wavelengths are +/- 1% or less. At 200-205 nm, where solar variations drive stratospheric photochemistry, these data indicate long-term solar changes of 5-7% from the maximum of Cycle 22 in April 1991 through the end of the NOAA-11 data record. Comparisons of NOAA-11 data with UARS SUSIM and SOLSTICE for the period October 1991 - October 1994, when all 3 instruments were operating simultaneously, show that the observed long-term variations in 200-205 nm irradiance agree to within 2%. This result is consistent with predictions from the Mg-2 proxy index. The SBUV/2 instruments represent a valuable resource for long-term solar UV activity studies because of their overlapping data records. In addition to the NOAA-11 data presented here, the NOAA-9 SBUV/2 instrument began taking data in March 1985 and is still operating, providing a complete record of Cycle 22 behavior from a single instrument. Three additional SBUV/2 instruments are scheduled to be launched between 1997 and 2003, which should permit full coverage of solar cycle 23.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Analysis of Solar Spectral Irradiance Measurements from the SBUV/2-Series and the SSBUV Instruments

The NOAA-9 SBEV/2 instrument has made the first regular measurements ot solar UV activity over a complete solar cycle, beginning in March 1985 and continuing as of this writing. The NOAA-9 solar irradiance data set includes the minimum between Cycles 21-22 and the current minimum at the end of Cycle 22. Although overall solar activity is low during these periods, 27-day rotational modulation is frequently present. The episode of 13-day periodicity observed during September 1994 - March 1995 shows that phenomena previously associated with high levels of solar activity can occur at any point in the solar cycle. The 205 nm irradiance and Mg II index measured by NOAA-9 showed very similar behavior during the Cycle 21-22 minimum in 1985-1986, when 27-day periodicity dominated short-term solar variations, but behaved differently in 1994-1995 during the episode of 13-day periodicity. We plan further investigations into the physical causes of this result, since it affects the extent to which the Mg II index is an accurate proxy for 205 nm irradiance variations during such episodes. The NOAA-9 Mg II data are available.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Influence of Short-Term Solar UV Variability on the Determination of Solar Cycle Minimum

Smoothing solar UV data on rotational timescale (approx. 27 days) improves identification of solar minimum. Smoothing intervals which are not multiples of rotational period (e.g. 35 days) can leave measurable residual signal. No evidence found for periodic behavior on intermediate (50-250 days) time scales during Cycle 22, based on data from three solar UV instruments.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Identification of Solar Cycle 23 Minimum from Solar UV Measurements: NOAA-9 and NOAA-11 SBUV/2, UARS SUSIM, UARS Solstice

The purpose of this report is to present results from the study of solar cycles from solar UV measurements from March 1985 to May 1997. The study determined solar minimum date from daily spectral irradiance data sensitive to noise and the means through which long-term calibration was obtained. In this study magnesium II time series was determined from NOAA-9, and UARS (Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite) SUMIM and SOLSTICE satellites.

DeLand, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Analysis of Solar Spectral Irradiance Measurements from the SBUV/2-Series and the SSBUV Instruments

The purpose of this research is to develop a NOAA-11 SBUV/2 solar spectral irradiance data set which is free from long-term instrument drift, then perform scientific analysis using the data set. During the current period of performance, 29 February 1996 through 31 August 1996, we finalized the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 characterization using internal data. This included updating the instrument's electronic, photomultiplier tube gain, wavelength, diffuser degradation, and goniometric calibrations. We have also completed the SSBUV characterization, 1989-1994, and produced SSBUV irradiances for the first seven SSBUV flights. Both of these steps were needed before the long-term calibration of the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 solar spectral irradiance data set via SSBUV can be undertaken. A second major aspect of this work is to compare solar spectral irradiances from the SBUV/2 instruments and SSBUV with corresponding data from other instruments. In the preceding six months, SSBUV data from the ATLAS-3 (November 1994) mission were compared to coincident SUSIM ATLAS-3 data. The GOME instrument was launched by the European Space Agency in early 1995 and began making solar irradiance measurements in May 1995. Working with GOME scientists, we are using SSBUV data to validate the GOME solar irradiance data. Based in part on those findings, the GOME absolute calibration data were reanalyzed.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) Data Products User's Guide

Two data products from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) onboard Nimbus-7 have been archived at the Distributed Active Archive Center, in the form of Hierarchical Data Format files. The instrument measures backscattered Earth radiance and incoming solar irradiance; their ratio is used in ozone retrievals. Changes in the instrument sensitivity are monitored by a spectral discrimination technique using measurements of the intrinsically stable wavelength dependence of derived surface reflectivity. The algorithm to retrieve total column ozone compares measured Earth radiances at sets of three wavelengths with radiances calculated for different total ozone values, solar zenith angles, and optical paths. The initial error in the absolute scale for TOMS total ozone is 3 percent, the one standard deviation random error is 2 percent, and drift is less than 1.0 percent per decade. The Level-2 product contains the measured radiances, the derived total ozone amount, and reflectivity information for each scan position. The Level-3 product contains daily total ozone amount and reflectivity in a I - degree latitude by 1.25 degrees longitude grid. The Level-3 product also is available on CD-ROM. Detailed descriptions of both HDF data files and the CD-ROM product are provided.

McPeters, Richard D.↗

NASA NTRS1996

White Paper on SBUV/2 Solar Irradiance Measurements

The importance of solar irradiance measurements by the Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet, Model 2 (SBUV/2) instruments on NOAA's operational satellites is described. These measurements are necessary accurately monitor the long-term changes in the global column ozone amount, the altitude distribution of ozone in the upper stratosphere, and the degree to which ozone changes are caused by anthropogenic sources. Needed to accomplish these goals are weekly solar irradiance measurements at the operational ozone wavelengths, daily measurements of the Mg II proxy index, instrument-specific Mg II scale factors, and daily measurements of the solar spectral irradiance at photochemically important wavelengths. Two solar measurement schedules are provided: (1) a baseline schedule for all instruments except the NOAA-14 instrument and (2) a modified schedule for the NOAA-14 SBUV/2 instrument. This latter schedule is needed due to the NOAA-14 grating drive problems.

Hilsenrath, Ernest↗

NASA NTRS1995

Analysis of solar spectral irradiance measurements from the SBUV/2-series and the SSBUV instruments

The principle purpose of this work is to use yearly flights of the Shuttle SBUV/w (SSBUV) instrument to maintain the long-term calibration of the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 instrument. During this period of performance we have begun updating the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 characterization and have further refined the SSBUV calibration, both steps which must be completed before the long-term calibration of the SBUV/2 can be completed. We have also performed a first attempt of the calibration transfer, demonstrating the viability of the transfer process.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Analysis of solar spectral irradiance measurements from the SBUV/2-series and the SSBUV instruments

The measurements of the solar ultraviolet spectral irradiance by the two Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) solar instruments are validated to agree within their 2-Sigma calibration uncertainties of about 7 percent, as well as with measurements from the two solar instruments on the Shuttle Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) missions. Additionally, the precision of the two UARS data sets is better than the original 2 percent goal, especially at wavelengths greater than 160 nm. This excellent agreement can be credited to accurate pre-flight calibrations, comprehensive in-flight calibrations to track instrument degradation, and a coordinated validation program among the UARS and ATLAS solar instrument teams. The solar irradiance results presented here include those derived from UARS SUSIM, UARS SOLSTICE, ATLAS SUSIM and ATLAS SSBUV measurements on 29 March 1992 during the ATLAS-1 mission and on 15 April 1993 during the ATLAS-2 mission. Two ultraviolet spectra from 119 to 410 nm are derived as the weighted average of the UARS SOLSTICE and SUSIM measurements and are recommended as representative solar spectra for the period of the ATLAS-1 and ATLAS-2 missions. The ATLAS-1 mission occurred during the initial phase of the solar cycle 22 decline when solar activity was moderately high. The ATLAS-2 mission occurred later during the declining phase of the solar cycle 22 when solar activity was more moderate.

Cebula, Richard P.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Status of the Shuttle SBUV (SSBUV) calibration of the NOAA SBUV/2 operational ozone sounders and the detection of trends

The Shuttle Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet (SSBUV) experiment has flown four times since October 1989. The purpose of SSBUV is to perform calibration checks of the SBUV ozone sounding instruments on the Nimbus and NOAA satellites in order to remove calibration drift so that ozone trends in the middle stratosphere can be accurately derived. Calibration checks are performed by comparing coincident observations between SSBUV and the satellite instruments. Regular flights of about once per year and maintenance of the SSBUV calibration to 1 percent from flight to flight are the major challenges for SSBUV. To date the required flight frequency has been met and instrument calibration is known to about 1-2 percent for the first three flights. The first comparisons showed 30 percent differences between SSBUV and the original archived Nimbus SBUV data, but considerably smaller differences with the new SBUV 'Version 6' data. Differences between SSBUV and SBUV/2 instruments on NOAA-11 and NOAA-9 were of the order of 5-10 percent respectively. These differences have not been accounted for in the present NOAA data set since they contain initial calibration biases as well as long term instrument drift. With subsequent SSBUV comparisons, the satellite calibration can be corrected, which will then allow an accurate estimate of ozone trends in the upper stratosphere. In this initial study, 1989 Nimbus-7 SBUV data have been corrected using SSBUV observations and then compared to SBUV data for 1980. This comparison then leads to an ozone trend of 7 percent in the upper stratosphere over the tropics for the period 1980 to 1989.

Hilsenrath, Ernest↗

NASA NTRS1994

Changes in photochemically significant solar UV spectral irradiance as estimated by the composite Mg II index and scale factors

Quantitative assessment of the impact of solar ultraviolet irradiance variations on stratospheric ozone abundances currently requires the use of proxy indicators. The Mg II core-to-wing index has been developed as an indicator of solar UV activity between 175-400 nm that is independent of most instrument artifacts, and measures solar variability on both rotational and solar cycle time scales. Linear regression fits have been used to merge the individual Mg II index data sets from the Nimbus-7, NOAA-9, and NOAA-11 instruments onto a single reference scale. The change in 27-dayrunning average of the composite Mg II index from solar maximum to solar minimum is approximately 8 percent for solar cycle 21, and approximately 9 percent for solar cycle 22 through January 1992. Scaling factors based on the short-term variations in the Mg II index and solar irradiance data sets have been developed to estimate solar variability at mid-UV and near-UV wavelengths. Near 205 nm, where solar irradiance variations are important for stratospheric photo-chemistry and dynamics, the estimated change in irradiance during solar cycle 22 is approximately 10 percent using the composite Mg II index and scale factors.

Deland, Matthew T.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Performance evaluation of the solar backscatter ultraviolet radiometer, model 2 (SBUV/2) inflight calibration system

The Solar Backscatter Ultraviolet Radiometer, Model 2 (SBUV/2) instruments, as part of their regular operation, deploy ground aluminum reflective diffusers to deflect solar irradiance into the instrument's field-of-view. Previous SBUV instrument diffusers have shown a tendency to degrade in their reflective efficiencies. This degradation will add a trend to the ozone measurements if left uncorrected. An extensive in-flight calibration system was designed into the SBUV/2 instruments to effectively measure the degradation of the solar diffuser (Ball Aerospace Systems Division 1981). Soon after launch, the NOAA-9 SBUV/2 calibration system was unable to track the diffuser's reflectivity changes due, in part, to design flows (Frederick et al. 1986). Subsequently, the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 calibration system was redesigned and an analysis of the first 2 years of data (Weiss et al. 1991) indicated the NOAA-11 SBUV/2 onboard calibration system's performance to be exceeding preflight expectations. This paper will describe the analysis of the first three years NOAA-11 SBUV/2 calibration system data.

Weiss, H.↗