Solar Images Data: Where to Find?

In summary, The conversation discusses the process of acquiring data for creating solar images, specifically for visible wavelengths. The individual is having trouble finding the data and asks where astronomers typically get their data for these images. The response mentions that the images are composed of either colorized monochrome images or composites of separate images taken through different filters. The conversation then shifts to discussing the availability of data for public use and the possibility of using these images for modeling the limb darkening effect. The final part of the conversation mentions a specific archive for solar data and a personal experience with using it. It concludes with the expert summarizer mentioning the crash of the website and their attempt to contact the administrators.
  • #1
Phylosopher
139
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Hello everyone,I am trying to acquire the data used to make solar images like in this link. For various wavelengths, but mainly for visible. And, honestly I am having a problem finding the data.

I am assuming that these images are made using a set of data for each, am I wrong?

I don't have a background in astronomy, so I am kind of lost here. Where do astronomers usually take their data to make these images? Is there a central archive page or something? A lot of the telescope sites I visited are outdated or provide images without the data.
 
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  • #2
Phylosopher said:
I am assuming that these images are made using a set of data for each, am I wrong?

They are composed either of colorized/non-colorized monochrome images or of a composite of separate images taken through different filters and then digitally added together.

Phylosopher said:
Where do astronomers usually take their data to make these images?

I'm not sure how much data is simply out there and available to the public. I know some portion of the Hubble Space Telescope's data is available, but as for other observatories I'm not certain. Most of the raw images taken may simply be stored and archived in various computer systems throughout the world and not available for public access.
 
  • #3
Drakkith said:
They are composed either of colorized/non-colorized monochrome images or of a composite of separate images taken through different filters and then digitally added together.
I'm not sure how much data is simply out there and available to the public. I know some portion of the Hubble Space Telescope's data is available, but as for other observatories I'm not certain. Most of the raw images taken may simply be stored and archived in various computer systems throughout the world and not available for public access.

Thank you for your reply.

Maybe being specific could help. I am interested in modelling the limb darkening effect, and I want to compare it to a real data set. Is it possible to use these images? Honestly it sounds just bad ^^".

Most of the papers I have access to and read on this subject do not provide a table/tables for these values.
 
  • #4
Phylosopher said:
Maybe being specific could help. I am interested in modelling the limb darkening effect, and I want to compare it to a real data set. Is it possible to use these images?

If you mean the images in the link you provided in your first post, then I doubt it. I'm not certain, but I'd bet that these images have already been processed to remove artifacts, smooth the image, adjust the contrast, and more things to make them more visually appealing. This generally destroys the raw information you need to do an accurate analysis. What you want is the raw images and any calibration images used.
 
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  • #6
Phylosopher said:
I am trying to acquire the data used to make solar images like in this link. For various wavelengths, but mainly for visible. And, honestly I am having a problem finding the data.

I am assuming that these images are made using a set of data for each, am I wrong?
they are actual images from optical instruments (except the 2 magnetograms) the top 3 images 2 x magnetograms
and 1 x Ha ( hydrogen alpha). I do Ha imaging myself from home with a specialist telescope ... I have a pinned solar thread
in the astronomy section with imaging I have done.
The magnetograms and Ha are done from ground based equipment observations
The lower 3 images are done from spacecraft , now days primarily the SDO ( Solar Dynamics Observatory) satellite.
They are actual images from optical instruments and then colourised.Dave

EDITED --- fixed typos
 
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  • #7
Phylosopher said:
https://umbra.nascom.nasa.gov/newsite/data.html
I have been using this site for many, many years, way back to the SOHO satellite days in the mid 1990's

The site has currently crashed ( since 31 Dec 2018) I have emailed them to see if they are get it running again
 

1. Where can I find solar images data?

There are several sources for solar images data, including government agencies like NASA and NOAA, research institutions, and online databases. Some popular databases include the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).

2. What types of solar images are available?

There are various types of solar images available, including visible light images, ultraviolet images, X-ray images, and magnetograms. Each type captures different aspects of the sun's activity and can be used for different research purposes.

3. How can I access and download solar images data?

Most solar images data can be accessed and downloaded from the websites of the sources mentioned above. Some databases also offer APIs or FTP access for easier data retrieval. Additionally, many research institutions and universities have their own data repositories that may be available to the public.

4. Are there any restrictions on using solar images data?

While most solar images data are freely available, there may be restrictions on their use for commercial purposes or redistribution. It is important to check the terms of use for each data source before using the data for your research.

5. How often is solar images data updated?

The frequency of updates for solar images data varies depending on the source. Some databases, such as the SDO, update their images in near-real time, while others may have longer intervals between updates. It is best to check the source's website for information on their update schedule.

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