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Solar radiometry

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Observing Photons in Space

Part of the book series: ISSI Scientific Report Series ((ISSI,volume 9))

Abstract

The classical radiometry for total solar irradiance (TSI) measurements is described using examples of the four types of radiometers currently used in space. The design, characterization and operation of these radiometers are described. Besides the instrumental characteristics determining the measurement uncertainties, an important issue is possible long-term changes of the radiometers exposed to solar irradiance — especially in the EUV — and the space environment. A model for the degradation has been developed which can explain the behaviour of most radiometers in space. The TSI record since 1978 from different platforms and radiometers can be combined in a composite time series which demonstrates that although the assumed uncertainty of the present state-of-the-art radiometers is insufficient, their short- and long-term precision is good enough to produce a reliable time series of TSI over almost 30 years.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    i.e., electrical connections

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Greg Kopp, LASP at University of Colorodo, Steven Dewitte and Andre Chevalier, Institut Royale Météorologique de Belgique, Richard Willson, Columbus University, for many helpful discussions about their radiometers. And last but not least all these results would not have possible without the continuing support of the Swiss National Science Foundation, and the SOHO and VIRGO Teams, which is gratefully acknowledged. SOHO is a cooperative mission of ESA and NASA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physikalisch-Meteorologisches Observatorium Davos, World Radiation Center, Davos Dorf, Switzerland

    Claus Fröhlich

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  1. Claus Fröhlich
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI, Switzerland

    Martin C. E. Huber , Anuschka Pauluhn  & Alex Zehnder ,  & 

  2. Mullard Space Science Lab, University College London, Dorking, Surrey, UK

    J. Len Culhane

  3. Nightsen, Inc., Tiverton, Rhode Island, USA

    J. Gethyn Timothy

  4. Max-Planck-Institut für Sonnensystemforschung, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany

    Klaus Wilhelm

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Fröhlich, C. (2013). Solar radiometry. In: Huber, M.C.E., Pauluhn, A., Culhane, J.L., Timothy, J.G., Wilhelm, K., Zehnder, A. (eds) Observing Photons in Space. ISSI Scientific Report Series, vol 9. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_32

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