Synoptic data for solar-terrestrial physics: the U.K. contribution to long-term monitoring

Abstract

In 1989 the Council of the Royal Society of London established a Study Group to investigate the current status and future requirements of solar-terrestrial monitoring in the United Kingdom. This paper summarizes the conclusions and recommendations of the U.K. Study Group. The rationale for regular synoptic monitoring of the solar-terrestrial environment is reviewed briefly. Instruments used for solar-terrestrial monitoring in U.K.-supported research programmes are listed, with special emphasis on research instruments that produce monitoring data. Some important applications of solar-terrestrial monitoring are outlined and criteria are presented for determining the priorities of various monitoring operations. High priority is attached to monitoring operations that are important for: 1. (i) deriving geophysical models and reference systems; 2. (ii) calculating the principal solar-geophysical indices; 3. (iii) producing long time series of good data, especially at sites of particular geophysical interest; (iv) detecting global changes; 4. (v) contributing to real-time forecasts of solar-terrestrial conditions, or to longer-term predictions and planning; and 5. (vi) providing background data for other observations and experiments. The existing U.K. programmes of solar-terrestrial monitoring make a highly prestigious contribution to national and international scientific activity. Synoptic measurements of the solar-terrestrial environment are crucial for underpinning present and future programmes of basic, strategic and applied research. Therefore, a core programme of synoptic monitoring must be maintained in the U.K. It is recommended that this core programme should be financed centrally through the Research Councils and reviewed quinquennially.