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J. M. Pap (Goddard Earth Sciences and Technology Center, UMBC), J. Kuhn (Institute of Astronomy, University of Hawaii), H. Jones (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center), M. Turmon (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), N. Arge (NOAA Space Environment Center), W. Schmutz (World Radiation Center, PMOD), L. Floyd (Interferometrics Inc., NRL)
In this paper we describe the science requirements and a new measurement strategy to better understand solar variability and its potential effect on climate. We study the relation between the variations in solar total and UV irradiances and solar magnetic fields as observed within the last three decades. The results of our analysis raise important questions: (1) is there a significant non-magnetic component in the observed irradiance variations?; (2) may polar magnetic fields play a role in irradiance changes?; (3) is there a strict linear relationship between solar variability and irradiance variations as the current irradiance models used in climate studies assume? The results presented in this paper underscore the need to further develop new measurement and analysis techniques to study and predict the climate impact of solar variability.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.