The United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) runs the Solar Electro-Optical Network (SEON), a real-time solar optical and radio observing, and analysis network. The SEON is comprised of five locations operating a Solar Observing Optical Network (SOON) telescope, a Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN) telescope, or a combination of both. The network provides timely and accurate solar alerts and analyses to the Space Weather Operations Center (SpaceWOC), 2d Weather Squadron (2 WS), and the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC).
NCEI archives and provides access to some AFRL data products for users interested in retrospective data.
RSTN Details and Specifications
The RSTN telescopes gather standardized solar radio data in a computer assisted automatic mode. The RSTN system produces discrete frequency radio observations using Radio Interference Measuring Sets (RIMS) and wideband spectral radio observations using the Solar Radio Spectrograph (SRS). Operating nominally, the RSTN provides 24 hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year coverage of the Sun, even during cloudy conditions. There are several observatories that operate RSTN telescopes positioned in the CONUS (Continental U.S.), Eastern and Western Pacific, and Europe.
RSTN data are updated monthly, except where noted, and some RSTN legacy data (radio bursts, Type II and noontime radio flux) are available at NCEI Solar Events page.
Data Access
RSTN 1-Second Data
The Radio Interference Measuring Set (RIMS) 1 second data show total power output in SFU (10-22 W*m-2 *Hz -1 )at 1 second time intervals for each monitored frequency. This value is the total raw power received by the RIMS.
More details on the RSTN 1-sec data format
- Learmonth station gz files (06/1980–12/2020)
- Palehua / Ka'ena Point station gz files (05/1980 to present)
- Sagamore Hill station gz files (10/1981 to present)
- San Vito station gz files (09/1986 to present)
RSTN Spectral Data
The Solar Radio Spectrograph (SRS) differs from RIMS radiometers in instrumentation, theory of operation, and type of activity observed. The SRS detects spectral solar radio frequency emissions within the meter and decameter (tens of meters) region of the radio spectrum. These spectral data are then projected graphically for analysis. Analysts determine and report solar activity based on the spectral signature of the events. CME shock speed analysis occurs on the SRS in real time by RSTN Analysts and is often the first chronographic data reported.
SOON Details and Specifications
SOON (Solar Observing Optical Network) is composed of several USAF (United States Air Force) telescopes for the study of solar activity in support of space weather specifications and forecasts. The data linked here consist of photographs of the solar continuum at 630.315 nm with sunspot information included on the image. Images are in PDF format.
Note: The prototype network was called OSPaN (Optical Solar Patrol Network) and was renamed to SOON or ISOON (Improved SOON).