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Accurate solar 'constant' determinations by cavity pyrheliometers

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
Total solar irradiance was observed outside the earth's atmosphere by three types of absolute cavity pyrheliometer in a June 1976 sounding rocket experiment. The 1367 W/m/sup 2/ average solar 'constant' result is uncertain by less than +- 0.5%, the most accurate determination to date. Nearly simultaneous observations by the Nimbus 6 earth radiation budget total irradiance detector of 1389 W/m/sup 2/ exceeded the rocket result by 1.6%. These recent results are discussed in the context of a summary of solar constant determinations made above the troposphere by cavity pyrheliometers.
Research Organization:
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91103
OSTI ID:
6583825
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 83:C8; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English