Radiation balances and the solar constant

The radiometric concepts are defined in order to consider various types of radiation balances and relate them to the diabetic form of the energy balance. Variability in space and time of the components of the radiation field are presented. A specific concept for sweeping which is tailored to the requirements is proposed. Finally, after establishing the truncated character of the present knowledge of the radiation balance. The results of the last observations of the solar constant are given. Ground and satellite measurement techniques are discussed

Problems of sampling and radiation balances: Their problematics

Problems associated with the measurement of the Earth radiation balances are addressed. It is demonstrated that the knowledge of the different radiation budgets with their components is largely dependent on the space time sampling of the radiation field of the Earth atmosphere system. Whichever instrumental approach is adopted (wide angle view of high resolution) it affects the space time integration of the fluxes measured directly or calculated. In this case the necessary knowledge of the reflection pattern depends in addition on the angular sampling of the radiances. A series of questions is considered, the answers of which are a prerequisite to the the organization of a global observation system

Measurement of the Solar Constant (SOLCON)

Measurement of the Solar Constant (SOLCON) is a solar physics experiment of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS 1) NASA mission scheduled for late 1990. The objectives of this investigation are: (1) to measure the absolute value of the solar constant with improved accuracy, and (2) to detect and measure long-term variations that may exist in the absolute value of the solar constant. The solar constant is the total irradiance of the sun at a distance of one astronomical unit. This will be measured directly in space by an absolute self-calibrating radiometer with an absolute accuracy estimated to be of the order of + or - 0.1 percent and a sensitivity better than 0.05 percent. Features of this radiometer are given

Fundamentals of absolute pyroheliometry and objective characterization

The radiometric methodology in use with a narrow field of view radiometer for observation of the solar constant is described. The radiation output of the Sun is assumed to be constant, enabling the monitoring of the solar source by an accurately pointed radiometer, and the Sun's output is measured as a function of time. The instrument is described, its angular response considered, and principles for absolute radiometric measurement presented. Active modes of operation are analyzed, taking into consideration instrumental perturbations and sensor efficiency, heating wire effect, cavity sensor efficiency, thermal effects on the surface of the sensitive area, the effect of the field of view limiting system, and the frequency response of the heat flux detector and absolute radiometric system. Performance of absolute measurements with relatively high accuracy is demonstrated

The luminosity constraint on solar neutrino fluxes

A specific linear combination of the total solar neutrino fluxes must equal the measured solar photon luminosity if nuclear fusion reactions among light elements are responsible for solar energy generation. This luminosity constraint, previously used in a limited form in testing the no neutrino oscillation hypothesis, is derived in a generality that includes all of the relevant solar neutrino fluxes and which is suitable for analyzing the results of many different solar neutrino experiments. With or without allowing for neutrino oscillations, the generalized luminosity constraint can be used in future analyses of solar neutrino data. Accurate numerical values for the linear coefficients are provided.Comment: related material at http://www.sns.ias.edu/~jn