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The solar constant

A compilation of recent measurements

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Abstract

A detailed compilation of the most recent values of the solar constant is given (13 values published from 1967 to 1970). The most probable value seems to be 1.95 cal cm−2 min−1 or 1.36 kW m−2 with a formal rms error of ± 0.3%. The corresponding effective temperature is 5770K.

Systematic errors of the order of ± 1%, but also a possible variability of the same order cannot be excluded.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Königstuhl, Germany, F.R.

    Dietrich Labs

  2. Hamburger Sternwarte in Bergedorf, Germany, F.R.

    Heinz Neckel

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  1. Dietrich Labs
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  2. Heinz Neckel
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Labs, D., Neckel, H. The solar constant. Sol Phys 19, 3–15 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00148818

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