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Solar Spectral Irradiance CDR

Configuration Item ID: 01B-33

The Solar Spectral Irradiance (SSI) Climate Data Record (CDR) tracks the solar energy reaching the top of Earth's atmosphere at different wavelengths, measured in Watts per square meter per nanometer (W m-2 nm-1) at a base mean distance from the Sun (i.e., one Astronomical Unit). This record is crucial for space weather, space climate, and Earth climate modeling, as well as for studying atmospheric chemistry and dynamics. 

The SSI CDR includes two data products: 

  1. Broad Spectrum (0 to 200,000 nm): This product covers a wide range of wavelengths and is widely used in climate models. It is based on Version 1 of the NASA NOAA LASP (NNL) solar variability models. These models estimate changes in solar irradiance due to faculae and sunspots, as well as the F10.7 cm solar radio flux. The data is available in 4,300 variable-width wavelength bands.
  2. High-Resolution Spectrum (115 to 500 nm): This product offers higher spectral resolution, ideal for atmospheric studies. It also uses NNL models but applies a different set of coefficients to estimate irradiance changes and is consistent in magnitude and variability with the Broad Spectrum product. The data is available in 9,700 variable-width wavelength bands. 

The products have been validated with measurements from the Total and Spectral Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1) mission and, at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths, the Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) mission. The records include daily and monthly data from 1874 to the present, and yearly data from 1610 to the present.

To help the project receive continued support, updates, and improvement, tell us how you use Solar Spectral Irradiance CDR data by completing our optional User Registration Form.

User Registration

Principal Investigator

Odele Coddington, University of Colorado - LASP

Citation

Cite dataset when used as a source. See the dataset's landing page for citation details at doi: 10.25921/esjz-1w61.

Data Access

Information

Documentation

  • Daily solar spectral irradiance
  • Monthly averaged solar spectral irradiance
  • Yearly averaged solar spectral irradiance