How to access GOLF data

The GOLF team is anxious to encourage any scientists wishing to get involved in the analysis of GOLF data. GOLF data is now in the public domain. As the words imply, GOLF exercises no control on the use of, or publications involving, these data. However, we are always ready, if requested, to give advice on valid ways in which they can be interpreted. Users are requested to include an appropriate acknowledgement in publications involving these data.

Two levels of data are available, either through the SoHO archive or through the following direct links:

  • Level 1

    These are time series of observed intensities in one wing of the sodium lines used by GOLF (see Operation chronology).
    In the SoHO archive, they are stored in daily files (FITS format).
    These daily FITS files can be read using an IDL routine. These files contains other informations including technical data (temperature of the detectors, etc...) corresponding to different file extension values (see IDL routine and the file headers), not normally required by scientific user.
    These intensities can be used instead of velocities in a harmonic analysis. However, since the calibration intensity to velocity varies with time, this will lead to an elevated noise level at low frequencies. Level 1 data can be used for serious research for 5 minute modes.

  • Level 2

    These data are made of calibrated velocities. Mainly due to the loss of the rotating mechanisms of the polarisors, the calibration is not trivial. Individual GOLF Team scientists developed their own technique, based on different asumptions.

  • Download links

    New series calibrated as explained in Appourchaux et al 2018, are available here: PM1, PM2, mean of the two signals.

    The time series used in the paper Fossat et al 2017 (A&A, 604, id.A40) can be downloaded here. It is a 16.5-year series calibrated in velocities as explained in García et al. (2005), that starts at 0:00:30 (T.A.I.) on April 11th 1996. It is sampled at 80 s.

    Previous data can be found here.

  • Level 3

  • Note

    • Please, use the INSTRUMENT and OPERATION menus to retrieve online information resources relevant to the analysis of the data (data losses, On Board Time jumps, Telecommands sent, detector high voltage readjustments).

    • Also use the following in your acknowledgements in publication: "The GOLF instrument onboard SoHO is a cooperative effort of scientists, engineers, and technicians, to whom we are indebted. SoHO is a project of international collaboration between ESA and NASA."

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