Reduction and Analysis of the Mt. Wilson Observations of Solar Magnetic Faculae 1915-1988: A Precursor to SunRISE

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This proposed research, a precursor to the SunRISE Program, plans to reduce and analyze Mt. Wilson Observatory CaK spectroheliograms obtained on a daily basis between 1915-1988. These images provide by far the longest reliable record of solar photospheric faculae and chromospheric plages. The plan is to analyze the behavior of these structures in active regions and in the network over the past seven solar cycles, for information on the sun's magnetic fields and activity levels that is complimentary to data obtained from the sunspot index, and from other much shorter data bases such as solar magnetograms. The obtained results should assist upper atmospheric physicists and climatologists in ongoing efforts to improve prediction and dynamical understanding of solar activity cycles.