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We study the Sun for a number of reasons. The Sun is the ultimate source of virtually all energy on Earth, and therefore all life on Earth. Studying the Sun provides many insights into purely scientific questions in solar astronomy, nuclear physics, and plasma physics, as well as providing techniques in the prediction of solar flares and other forms of solar activity that impact our daily life on Earth.
Solar activity directly affects radio communications, electric power systems, the safety of astronauts outside their space ships and the lifetime of satellites in orbit, to name just a few. A better understanding of the Sun may allow for more effective management of various aspects of our ecological resources, including issues related to global and local climate changes, atmospheric ozone depletion and even crop management. The Sun is the only star on which we are able to observe surface features; therefore solar research is a key to understanding other stars.
The observatory's telescopes are specially designed for solar observations in the visible part of the solar spectrum. Our telescopes are equipped with highly specialized filters and cameras that isolate small portions of the visible, as well as the near infrared and ultraviolet portions, of the Sun's spectrum.
Images in different wavelengths (colors) allow us to view the Sun at different depths or layers in its atmosphere. The apparent surface of the Sun is called the photosphere. The thickness of this layer is only about 500 km which explains why the Sun has a sharp edge in the visible light. Layers outward from the photosphere are referred to as the atmosphere of the Sun. Sunspots and granulation are best seen in observations of the photosphere. The chromosphere lies above the photosphere. The total thickness of the chromosphere is 2000 to 3000 km. Filaments, prominences, and a cell-like structure called the network originate in the chromospheric layer of the Sun.
List of Science Publications by NJIT and World Scientists Based on GST Data
Earth albedo (reflectivity) measurement using our earthshine coronagraph.
HOME | NJIT | CSTR | DATA POLICY | LOCAL | WEB MAIL
CONTACTS: tel: (909) 866-5791 ext 210; 40386 North Shore Lane Big Bear City, CA 92314, USA