Mapping the Sound Speed Structure of the Sun's Atmosphere

University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

0087541 Jeffries This work is a study of the structure of the solar atmosphere using observations of the velocity and intensity of optical signals from the solar surface. These signals will be used to produce detailed maps of the speed of acoustic waves in the lower part of the solar atmosphere. These maps in turn will be inverted to provide information on how the speed of sound changes with location and time in the solar atmosphere. This project provides an important first step towards being able to map the acoustic and magnetic properties of the Sun's atmosphere in three dimensions. Such data will be invaluable in our quest to understand how the Sun impacts terrestrial processes. Three specific goals will be pursued in the course of this study: (1) to provide the first detailed maps of the sound speed structure in the Sun's lower atmosphere, (2) to examine the short-term variability of the observed structure, and (3) to test and refine current models of the solar atmosphere. The advantages of South Pole station as an observing site include excellent sky transparency, low atmospheric humidity, and long periods of stable seeing conditions. Further, velocity and intensity observations will not require correction for an unwanted signal due to the Earth's rotation.