Variations in the solar constant due to solar active regions
Solar activity is expected to affect the solar constant at some level. Recent observations and data analysis show the amount of variation to be expected from active regions, faculae, and sunspots on the apparent solar brightness. It is concluded that the maximum effect is about 20 times greater for sunspots than for faculae per unit area. Because facular areas are 25 to 30 times those for sunspots, the effect on the solar constant of faculae and sunspots is approximately equal and opposite, being typically in the neighborhood of 40 to 100 parts per million (ppM), but on occasion able to reach over 200 ppM. The issue of energy balance is not discussed here, for it requires further data analysis as well as information on the facular and sunspot limb darkening.
- Research Organization:
- California State Univ., Northridge
- OSTI ID:
- 6562978
- Journal Information:
- Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 242:1; ISSN AJLEA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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