SOHO - A high resolution solar physics mission

Abstract

The present study discusses SOHO (Solar and Heliospheric Observatory), a satellite with a pointing stability of 1 arcsec that will be launched in 1995 to the L1 Lagrangian point between the sun and the earth. In situ measurements, at approximately 1 AU, are to trace the results of solar wind expansion. The SOHO mission aims are discussed: to obtain long and uninterrupted series of solar oscillation measurements either in flux or in velocity in order to sound the solar interior using high resolution in the frequency domain; to probe the upper atmosphere with high-resolution UV/EUV imager/spectrometers and UV/visible coronagraphs and photometers in order to bring new constraints on the coronal heating; and to measure in situ the solar wind flow in front of the earth and thus establish the link between the sun and the near-earth environment. The satellite and instrumentation are reviewed in relation to the specific capabilities that they offer.