Solar Research at Metsähovi Radio Observatory
Metsähovi Radio Observatory (MRO) conducts solar observations with two radio telescopes (13,7 m and 1,8 m). The larger one is used for observing the Sun at both 37 GHz (average frequency) and 87 GHz with most observations being done at 37 GHz. The large telescope is actively used for solar observations during the summer months (from May to September) with about 30 observation days accumulating per year. The large telescope can be used for making Solar maps of the whole surface of the Sun or from e.g. smaller active areas (e.g. polar brightenings (faculae) ,sunspots). The telescope can also be used for tracking observations, where a single spot on the Sun's limb is tracked typically for 6 hours. For more information about solar mapping and tracking see Information on solar mapping and tracking at Metsähovi.
The smaller 1,8-meter antenna is used for continuous tracking of the total radiation intensity of the Sun at an average frequency of 11.2 GHz. The small antenna tracks the Sun every day of the year except for maintenance breaks.
In early September 2010 Metsähovi joined the international e-Callisto measurement network to monitor the Sun's broadband radio bursts in the metric and desimetric scale (at MRO frequency range 170-870 MHz is in use). For this purpose a new measurement equipment was installed. Linear, horizontally polarized logarithmic periodic antenna is mounted on the lower rim of a microwave dish (11.2 GHz). e-Callisto enables versatile and broadband monitoring of the Sun in the radio frequencies. More detailed information about the Callisto project can be found from Callisto web site.
On 4.1.2011 Metsähovi observed a partial solar eclipse with the 13,7-meter radio telescope at a frequency of 37 GHz. Eight solar maps were made that show the Moon passing in front of the Sun from right to left.
For more information about solar radio astronomy in Metsähovi, see the links below:
Solar observation gallery (NEW!)
Callisto solar radio burst gallery, Bursts in Metsähovi (NEW!)
Callisto solar radio burst gallery, whole e-Callisto network
General information on the project
Information on solar mapping and tracking at Metsähovi
Detailed information about solar observations made in Metsähovi from 2007-08-30 onwards Not updated anymore, see Solar observation gallery
Metsähovi observations catalogue 1993-2000, not updated anymore