Solar Maximum Mission

Journal Article · Sun Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183493· OSTI ID:6196704

Chipman, E G

The Solar Maximum Mission spacecraft, launched on 1980 February 14, carries seven instruments for the study of solar flares and other aspects of solar activity. These instruments observe in spectral ranges from gamma-rays through the visible, using imaging, spectroscopy, and high-time-resolution light curves to study flares phenomena. In addition, one instrument incorporates an Active Cavity Radiometer for accurate measurement of the total solar radiant output. We review some of the most important current observational and theoretical questions of solar flare physics and indicate the ways in which the experiments on SMM will be able to attack these questions. The SMS observing program is described. The observing programs of the instruments for the study of flares are planned together, at a central location, to provide simultaneous observations of solar events by several instruments whenever possible. A Guest Investigator program has been initiated which allows broad use of these instruments by the scientific community and supports ground-based observations in conjunction with SMM observing programs.

• Research Organization: Solar and Heliospheric Physics, Code SC-7, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546
• OSTI ID: 6196704
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 244:3; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640104* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Solar Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HARD X RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLASMA
RADIATION DETECTORS
RADIATIONS
RADIOMETERS
SATELLITES
SOFT X RADIATION
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR FLARES
SPECTROMETERS
X RADIATION