SOLAR (ISS)

The term "SOLAR (ISS)" refers to a set of solar observation instruments mounted on the Columbus External Payload Facility (CEPF) of the International Space Station (ISS). These instruments were designed to study the Sun's radiation and its variability, and their impact on Earth's atmosphere and climate.

The SOLAR payload consisted of several instruments, including:

• SOLSPEC: A solar spectral irradiance monitor that measured the Sun's total and spectral irradiance over a broad wavelength range.
• SOLAR/SOL-ACES: An instrument designed to measure solar spectral irradiance in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• SOLAR/VIRGO: A radiometer designed to measure the total solar irradiance and spectral irradiance at specific wavelengths.

The primary scientific goals of the SOLAR mission were to:

• Obtain highly accurate measurements of the Sun's radiative output.
• Understand the variations in solar irradiance and their impact on Earth's climate.
• Improve our knowledge of the Sun's internal structure and dynamics.
• Provide reference data for calibrating other solar instruments.

The SOLAR payload operated on the ISS for several years, collecting valuable data that has contributed to our understanding of the Sun and its influence on Earth. Data from the SOLAR instruments continue to be analyzed and used in climate models and other scientific research.