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Solar Research at Metsähovi Radio Observatory

A solar map measured in Metsähovi and a graph of a solar track made on the same day

Metsähovi Radio Observatory (MRO) conducts solar observations using three different systems: The 13,7-meter telescope, the 1,8-meter solar antenna and the e-Callisto system.

The 13,7-meter telescope

The 13,7-meter telescope 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. Also, weather permitting, daily solar maps are observed year-round along the quasar observations. 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 an area of interest on the Sun's disk is tracked for up to 12 hours or longer. For more information about solar mapping and tracking see Information on solar mapping and tracking at Metsähovi.

The 1,8-meter solar antenna

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. The solar antenna can be used for detecting e.g. solar radio bursts that can then be potentially studied in more detail using the 13,7-meter telescope.

The e-Callisto system

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.

Other

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.