Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “solar variability”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Global Characteristics of the IBEX Ribbon and Its Temporal Variation: Implications for Relationships with Solar Cycle Variability and the Interstellar Magnetic Field

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) has revealed the existence of the energetic neutral atom (ENA) ribbon, a narrow and nearly circular band of enhanced flux that enables probing plasma and magnetic field conditions outside the heliopause (HP). In this study, we investigate the global structure and temporal variation of the IBEX ribbon using 14 yr of IBEX-Hi ENA observations. We derive geometric parameters of the ribbon: center location, angular radius, eccentricity, and major axis orientation. We find that the ribbon exhibits systematic variations tied to the solar cycle. The ribbon center shows a solar cycle–modulated latitudinal motion at low energies. The angular radius increases with ENA energy and displays a pronounced enlargement between 2013 and 2018, coinciding with changes in high-latitude fast solar wind from polar coronal holes. The eccentricity remains consistently around 0.3 with some temporal evolution, while the major axis rotates gradually over time, becoming increasingly perpendicular to the ecliptic meridional plane. A notable hemispheric asymmetry has emerged over time: the ribbon in the northern hemisphere remains remarkably stable in position, whereas the southern ribbon exhibits temporal migration. By combining these results with solar wind observations, global heliosphere, and ribbon modeling, we suggest that this asymmetry is explained by a coupled effect of magnetic field draping and the latitude-dependent timing of fast solar wind from polar coronal holes. These results establish the most detailed long-term geometric characterization of the IBEX ribbon to date and provide observational support for models of secondary ENA production and magnetic field draping outside the HP.

Noh, Sung Jun [New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos, ↗
NASA NTRS1972

Space observations of the variability of solar irradiance in the near and far ultraviolet

Satellite observations of the ultraviolet solar irradiance in selected wavelength bands between 1200 and 3000 a were made continuously by photometers consisting of broad-band sensors operated on Numbus 3 and 4 which were launched in April 1969 and 1970. In addition, spectrophotometer measurements of the solar irradiance were made with a dispersive instrument at 12 selected wavelengths from 2550 to 3400 a with a 10 a bandpass on Nimbus 4. Variations of the solar irradiance associated with the solar rotational period were observed since the launch of Nimbus 3. These variations are apparently associated with two source regions separated by about 180 deg in solar longitude. The change in irradiance with solar rotation was found to increase with decreasing wavelengths. Different types of the observed variations in uv solar irradiance can be classified in accordance with characteristics times, e.g. in the order of increasing periods as follows: (1)flare associated enhancements (2) 27-day variations due to solar rotation; (3) a possible biennial effect; and (4) long term variations associated with the 11-year solar cycle.

Heath, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Space observations of the variability of solar irradiance in the near and far ultraviolet.

Satellite observations of UV solar irradiance in selected wavelength bands between 1200 and 3000 A have been made continuously by photometers consisting of broadband sensors operated on Nimbus 3 and 4, which were launched in April 1969 and April 1970, respectively. In addition, on Nimbus 4, spectrophotometer measurements of solar irradiance have been made with a dispersive instrument at 12 selected wavelengths from 2550 to 3400 A with a 10-A bandpass. Variations of solar irradiance associated with the solar rotational period have been observed since the launch of Nimbus 3. These variations are apparently associated with two source regions separated by about 180 deg in solar longitude. The change in irradiance with solar rotation was found to increase with decreasing wavelengths. Different types of observed variations in UV solar irradiance can be classified in accordance with characteristic times. In order of increasing periods, they are (1) flare-associated enhancements, (2) 27-day variations due to solar rotation, (3) a possible biennial effect, and (4) long-term variations associated with the 11-year solar cycle.

Heath, D. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Evidence for globally coherent variability in solar magnetic flux emergence

We examine the large-scale spatial and temporal variations in the emergence of X-ray bright points on the sun, in order to study the global properties of magnetic flux emergence. Major variations in the rate of flux emergence are observed at all solar latitudes, on a time scale of 3-5 months. The most economical explanation of the observations is that the full sun participated in a single large eruptive event during the available 8 month observing period from Skylab in 1973. The peak of this global event corresponds in time to the eruption of a major complex of activity. Moreover, it appears that the only portion of the solar surface which deviates from the above pattern of behavior is the low latitude region in the vicinity of the AR complex; this area shows a temporary depletion immediately following the AR outburst. The high-latitude regions in both hemispheres show the same variation and appear to lead the low-latitude emergence by approximately 1 month.

Golub, L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Long-term variability of solar magnetic-fields

Studies of the variations of the solar magnetic field are reviewed. Consideration is given to the study of 600 Myr-old Australiain varve data showing the 22-yr magnetic cycle and variations with 300-400 yr periods (Williams, 1981 and Bracewell, 1985). Methods of interpreting the organization of large-scale solar field patterns are discussed. Other studies examined include the interpretation of modal structure in the photospheric field by Stenflo et al. (1988), and the study of Sheeley et al. (1987) showing that much of the large-scale surface pattern can be deduced from the measured emerging flux.

Hoeksema, J. Todd↗
NASA NTRS1991

Variability of solar ultraviolet irradiance

A model of solar Lyman alpha irradiance developed by multiple linear regression analysis, including the daily values and 81-day running means of the full disk equivalent width of the Helium line at 1083 nm, predicts reasonably well both the short- and long-term variations observed in Lyman alpha. In contrast, Lyman alpha models calculated from the 10.7-cm radio flux overestimate the observed variations in the rising portion and maximum period of solar cycle, and underestimates them during solar minimum. Models are shown of Lyman alpha based on the He-line equivalent width and 10.7-cm radio flux for those time intervals when no satellite observations exist, namely back to 1974 and after April 1989, when the measurements of the Solar Mesosphere Satellite were terminated.

Pap, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interannual variability of solar irradiance over the Amazon Basin including the 1982-83 El Nino Year

Surface solar irradiance was derived over the extended Amazon Basin using AVHRR observations from polar-orbiting satellites during four July months (1983-1986). Observations from the geostationary satellite GOES for July 1983 were also used to assess diurnal effects. Both satellite datasets are part of the Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) B3 product. It was demonstrated that it is now possible to derive long-term surface solar irradiance, which can be useful in climate studies, and that the accuracy of the derived fields is sufficient to detect interannual differences that can exceed at times 70 W/sq m.

Pinker, Rachel T.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Variability of Solar UV Irradiance Related to Bright Magnetic Features Observed in Call K-Line: Relationship between Lyman alpha and K-line Report for UARS funding agency

In this report we comment on the relationship between the Lyman alpha and Calcium K-line emission from the Sun. We firstly examine resolved Lyman alpha images (from TRACE) and resolved K-line images. We find that the Lyman alpha emission is consistent with a linear dependence on the K-line emission. As this is in conflict with the analysis of Johannesson et al.(1995, 1998) we proceed by comparing the disk integrated Lyman alpha flux as a function of ratio between the disk integrated Mg II core and wing fluxes (Johannesson et al (1998) having previously found a linear dependence between this index and the BBSO K-line index). We find that a reasonably good fit can be obtained, however note the discrepancies which lead Johannesson et al to consider the square root relationship. We suggest an alternative interpretation of the discrepancy.

Zirin, Harold↗
NASA NTRS2007

Variability of Solar Irradiances Using Wavelet Analysis

We have used wavelets to analyze the sunspot number, F10.7 (the solar irradiance at a wavelength of approx.10.7 cm), and Ap (a geomagnetic activity index). Three different wavelets are compared, showing how each selects either temporal or scale resolution. Our goal is an envelope of solar activity that better bounds the large amplitude fluctuations form solar minimum to maximum. We show how the 11-year cycle does not disappear at solar minimum, that minimum is only the other part of the solar cycle. Power in the fluctuations of solar-activity-related indices may peak during solar maximum but the solar cycle itself is always present. The Ap index has a peak after solar maximum that appears to be better correlated with the current solar cycle than with the following cycle.

Pesnell, William D.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Variability of Solar Radiation under Cloud-Free Skies in China: The Role of Aerosols

In this study, we analyzed long-term surface global and diffuse solar radiation, aerosol single scattering albedo (SSA), and relative humidity (RH) from China. Our analysis reveals that much of China experienced significant decreases in global solar radiation (GSR) and increases in diffuse solar radiation under cloud-free skies between the 1960s and 1980s. With RH and aerosol SSA being rather constant during that time period, we suggest that the increasing aerosol loading from emission of pollutants is responsible for the observed reduced GSR and increased diffuse radiation in cloud-free skies. Although pollutant emissions continue to increase after the 1980s, the increment of aerosol SSA since 1980s can partly explain the transition of GSR from a decreasing trend to no apparent trend around that time. Preliminary analysis is also provided on the potential role of RH in affecting the global and diffuse solar radiation reaching the earth surface.

Qian, Yun↗
NASA NTRS2015

Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS) Project Overview

The main objective of the Total and Spectral solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS) is to acquire measurements to determine the direct and indirect effects of solar radiation on climate. TSIS total solar irradiance measurements will extend a 37-year long uninterrupted measurement record of incoming solar radiation, the dominant energy source driving the Earths climate and the most precise indicator of changes in the Suns energy output. TSIS solar spectral irradiance measurements will determine the regions of the Earths multi-layered atmosphere that are affected by solar variability, from which the solar forcing mechanisms causing changes in climate can be quantified. TSIS includes two instruments: the Total Irradiance Monitor (TIM) and the Spectral Irradiance Monitor (SIM), integrated into a single payload. The TSIS TIM and SIM instruments are upgraded versions of the two instruments that are flying on the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) mission launched in January 2003. TSIS was originally planned for the nadir-pointing National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) spacecraft. The TSIS instrument passed a Critical Design Review (CDR) for NPOESS in December 2009. In 2010, TSIS was re-planned for the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Polar Free Flyer (PFF). The TSIS TIM, SIM, and associated electronics were built, tested, and successfully completed pre-ship review as of December 2013.In early 2014, NOAA and NASA agreed to fly TSIS on the International Space Station (ISS). In the FY16 Presidents Budget, NASA assumes responsibility for the TSIS mission on ISS. The TSIS project includes requirements, interface, design, build and test of the TSIS payload, including an updated pointing system, for accommodation on the ISS. It takes advantage of the prior development of the TSIS sensors and electronics. The International Space Station (ISS) program contributions include launch services and robotic installation of the TSIS payload onto an ISS Express Logistics Carrier, mission operations, and communications. Total and Spectral solar irradiance data products will be produced, calibrated, and made publically available through the Goddard Earth Science Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).The NASA GSFC TSIS project at GSFC is responsible for project management, system engineering, safety and mission assurance, and engineering oversight for the TSIS payload. The TSIS project has contracted with the University of Colorado Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) for the design, development and testing of TSIS, support for ISS integration, science operations of the TSIS instrument, data processing, data evaluation and delivery to the GES DISC. TSIS will be delivered to Kennedy Space Center for integration in 2017, with launch and installation onto ISS planned for late 2017-early 2018. After a 90-day check-out period, NASA plans five years of TSIS operations.

spectral emission↗
NASA NTRS2014

Chromospheric Variability: Analysis of 36 years of Time Series from the National Solar Observatory/Sacramento Peak Ca II K-line Monitoring Program

Analysis of more than 36 years of time series of seven parameters measured in the NSO/AFRL/Sac Peak K-line monitoring program elucidates five elucidates five components of the variation: (1) the solar cycle (period approx. 11 years), (2) quasi-periodic variations (periods approx 100 days), (3) a broad band stochastic process (wide range of periods), (4) rotational modulation, and (5) random observational errors. Correlation and power spectrum analyses elucidate periodic and aperiodic variation of the chromospheric parameters. Time-frequency analysis illuminates periodic and quasi periodic signals, details of frequency modulation due to differential rotation, and in particular elucidates the rather complex harmonic structure (1) and (2) at time scales in the range approx 0.1 - 10 years. These results using only full-disk data further suggest that similar analyses will be useful at detecting and characterizing differential rotation in stars from stellar light-curves such as those being produced by NASA's Kepler observatory. Component (3) consists of variations over a range of timescales, in the manner of a 1/f random noise process. A timedependent Wilson-Bappu effect appears to be present in the solar cycle variations (1), but not in the stochastic process (3). Component (4) characterizes differential rotation of the active regions, and (5) is of course not characteristic of solar variability, but the fact that the observational errors are quite small greatly facilitates the analysis of the other components. The recent data suggest that the current cycle is starting late and may be relatively weak. The data analyzed in this paper can be found at the National Solar Observatory web site http://nsosp.nso.edu/cak_mon/, or by file transfer protocol at ftp://ftp.nso.edu/idl/cak.parameters.

Solar physics↗