摘要：Since all space weather originates in and on the Sun, forecasters need continuous, long-term, consistent, and reliable solar data as a foundation for useful predictions. An effective strategy to obtain nearly continuous solar data is the use of a ground-based network of identical observing instruments geographically distributed so that gaps from nighttime, weather, and instrumental problems are reduced. For example, NASA established the Solar Particle Alert Network (SPAN) in 1965, and the U.S. Air Force set up the Solar Optical Observing Network (SOON, http://www. afweather.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=16522) and the Radio Solar Telescope Network (RSTN) in 1976. Networks also have a long history in the field of helioseismology, including the UK BiSON (Birmingham Solar Oscillations Network) and U.S. GONG (Global Oscillation Network Group, http://gong.nso.edu/) networks. GONG is also a major supplier of space weather data to the U.S. Air Force Weather Agency (AFWA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC). While space platforms can provide nearly continual solar observations that are also free of terrestrial atmospheric limitations, ground-based networks have several distinct advantages, including costs, repair and upgrade, and less stringent telemetry restrictions.
