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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Synoptic Maps Composites Observed from Kitt-Peak Solar Observatory

browse graphicExample Image from Composites_Synoptic Maps_KittPeak series.
Solar synoptic maps usually refer to assembled composites recorded over a full solar rotation of about 27 days. Synoptic maps can be derived from single wavelength images or from multi-wavelength images highlighting solar features of interest (see above). Images for this dataset were provided by numerous solar observatories. The Boulder H-alpha (6563 A) synoptic maps, or charts, were first developed by McIntosh as an outgrowth of efforts to infer solar magnetic fields. These McIntosh synoptic charts identify regions of positive and negative magnetic polarity separated by a magnetic neutral line. Superposed on many of the maps are the locations of coronal holes observed in X-rays and from HeI spectro-heliograms at 10830 A. Features of interest evident at various wavelengths include; 3934 A (Calcium, Ca II K-line) ¿ used to monitor structures in the lower chromosphere, in particular faculae which are clearly discerned in Ca II but less so in white-light images (only near the limb) and not in H-alpha 5303 A (Iron, Fe XIV) ¿ Monitor the chromosphere 5694 A (Calcium, Ca XV) ¿ Ca XV emissions from the sun are used to detect coronal hot spots. Also referred to as the solar yellow line 6374 A (Iron, FE X) ¿ Monitor the chromosphere 6563 A (Hydrogen, H-alpha); chromospheric imaging of solar flares, sunspots, plage, filaments and prominences, also chromospheric network 10830 A (Helium, He I); preferred wavelength to image coronal holes which are not as readily apparent in Ca II and H-alpha
Cite this dataset when used as a source.
  • Composites_Synoptic Maps_KittPeak
gov.noaa.ngdc.stp.solar_imagery:Composites_Synoptic_Maps_KittPeak
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    Distributor William Denig
    DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    (303) 497-6323
    solar.ngdc@noaa.gov
    Dataset Point of Contact William Denig
    DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    (303) 497-6323
    solar.ngdc@noaa.gov
    Coverage Description Non-geographic
    Time Period 2003-12-17 to 2012-12-02
    Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates Non-geographic
    Documentation links not available.
    Publication Dates
    • creation: 2003-12-17
    Data Presentation Form Digital document - digital representation of a primarily textual item (can contain illustrations also)
    Dataset Progress Status Complete
    Data Update Frequency
    Supplemental Information
    The NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (formally NGDC) provides scientific data stewardship of solar-terrestrial datasets
    in compliance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO 212-15), "Management of Environmental Data and Information", published 04 Nov 10. Scientific
    Data Stewardship includes the Archive, Access, and Assessment (AAA) of operational and related solar and space environmental datasets.
    Purpose Scientific data stewardship of solar-terrestrial datasets in compliance with NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 212-12, "Management of Environmental and Geospatial Data and Information", dated 04 Nov 10. Scientific Data Stewardship includes the Archive, Access, and Assessment (AAA) of operational and related solar and space environmental datasets.
    Publishers
      Publisher information not available.
    Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
    • Sun-Earth Interactions > Solar Activity > Solar Active Regions
    • Sun-Earth Interactions > Solar Activity > Solar Imagery
    • Sun-Earth Interactions > Solar Activity > Sunspots
    • Sun-Earth Interactions > Solar Activity > Corona
    • Sun-Earth Interactions > Solar Activity > Solar Synoptic Maps
    Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
    • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NGDC > National Geophysical Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
    Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
    • Solar Observatory Stations
    Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
    • Solar Telescopes
    Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
    • Space > Solar Region > Composites
    Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
    • NOAA > Space Weather Program
    • WDS > World Data Service for Geophysics, Boulder
    Use Constraints No constraint information available
    Access Constraints
    • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
    Fees Fee information not available.
    Acquisition Information (collection)
    Instrument
      Platform
      • Kitt-Peak Solar Observatory
      Last Modified: 2016-12-27
      For questions about the information on this page, please email: Karen.E.Horan@noaa.gov