What is it about?
In the framework of the ongoing re-calibration of the sunspot number, the longest record of solar activity, we present the latest progresses, which now focus on the recovery of all the original source data. We also explain how the changes in this reference series can affect scientific applications resting on this data series.
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Why is it important?
The purpose of this work is to obtain a constant measure of solar activity over several past centuries, in order to compare quantitatively the level of solar activity over long time intervals. This is relevant to various reconstructions of the past solar irradiance and solar wind, and thus to the understanding of climate change as the Sun is the main natural driver over such secular timescales.
Perspectives
This articles mark the initial steps towards upcoming major milestones, where the first full reconstruction of the series, re-starting from the raw source data, will supersede punctual corrections applied to the original time series, as was done until now.
Dr Frédéric Clette
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The new Sunspot Number: continuing upgrades and possible impacts, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, February 2018, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s1743921318001813.
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