Solar Cycle Changes in the Surface Brightness of the Sun: Precision Solar Disk Photometry at Big Bear Solar Observatory During MAX 91

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This observational program in precision solar photometry at the Big Bear Solar Observatory will make use of a unique, special-purpose solar disc photometer. A new instrument called the solar disc photometer has recently been installed at the Big Bear Solar Observatory. This instrument is capable of obtaining precise relative photometric measurements across the solar distance with an accuracy of one part in 10,000. The proposed research would analyze past data obtained with this instrument in comparison with those obtained by the now defunct ACRIM aboard the SMM satellite, and take data with an upgraded version of the instrument through the current solar maximum period. Expected benefits include: 1) a better understanding of the solar cycle solar constant variations, as would be gained by detailed measurements of the contribution from faculae, etc.; 2) observing the polar magnetic field via a quantitative observation of polar faculae; 3) possibly observing a thermal signature of global solar convection. *** //