Data Applications

Using the 10.7cm Flux Data In School Projects

In our recent poll of the user community regarding how our 10.7cm flux data are used, we had a number of replies from schools. We were very interested to find out that the data are used in general scientific and in environmental studies.

The 10.7cm flux is an acceptable proxy for solar energy output, ultraviolet flux, soft X-ray flux, sunspot number and area, and total magnetic flux. Students are using the flux values to follow solar rotation and the time cycles of solar activity, and comparing solar activity with global and local weather conditions and other environmental observations.

Longer-term patterns (up to 50 years) are compared with tree rings, agricultural records and other historical data.

The quality of the data which makes it attractive for student projects that it is current. Daily measurements are promptly distributed and added to the data base.

We welcome enquiries from teachers or students using the data and reports on their investigations.

Using the 10.7cm Flux as a Proxy for Sunspot Number

Sunspot number is a widely-used index of solar activity. However, it might not always be available sufficiently promptly. Using more than 40 years of data, we have found the empirical relationship below is useful in using the 10.7cm flux values as a proxy for sunspot number:

N = (1.14)·S - 73.21

where S is the solar flux (density) value in solar flux units.

Since the 10.7cm flux is a more objective measurement, and always measured on the same instruments, this proxy "sunspot number" should have a similar behaviour but smaller intrinsic scatter than the true sunspot number.

50 Years of Canadian Radio Astronomy!!