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Synoptic observations are indispensable in studies of long-term effects
pertinent to variation in solar radiative output, space weather and space climate,
as well as for understanding the physics of global processes taking place on our
nearest star. Synoptic data also allow putting the Sun in the context of stellar
evolution. Historically, the main-stay of such observations has been ground-based
although the improving longevity of space-borne instruments puts some space missions
into the category of synoptic facilities. Space- and ground-based (synoptic)
observations are complementary to each other; neither is inferior or superior to the
other. Ground-based facilities can have a long-term (50 years+) operations horizon,
and in comparison with their space-based counterparts, they are less expensive to
operate and have fewer restrictions on international collaboration and data access.
The instruments can be serviced, upgraded, and cross-calibrated to ensure the continuity
and uniformity of long-term data series. New measurements could be added in
response to changes in understanding the solar phenomena. Some drawbacks such as
day-night cycle and the variable atmospheric seeing can be mitigated e.g., by
creating the global networks and employing the adaptive optics. Furthermore, the
ground-based synoptic observations can serve as a backbone and a back-up to
space-based observations.
In my talk I will review some existing ground-based synoptic facilities, describe
plans for future networks, and outline the current efforts in strengthening the
international collaboration in synoptic solar observations from the ground. |
