Sunspot Observations by Hisako Koyama: 1945-1996

TL;DR

This paper reconstructs and analyzes the extensive sunspot observations of Hisako Koyama from 1945 to 1996, demonstrating their stability and high quality, and provides a digital database for future solar activity research.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive digital database of Koyama's sunspot observations, extending the data range and assessing their consistency with international sunspot series.

Findings

Koyama's observations are globally stable with minor fluctuations.

A 9% downward correction is needed after 1983 for consistency.

Her data provides a valuable, high-quality record of solar activity.

Abstract

The sunspot record is the only observational tracer of solar activity that provides a fundamental, multi-century reference. Its homogeneity has been largely maintained with a succession of long-duration visual observers. In this paper, we examine observations of one of the primary reference sunspot observers, Hisako Koyama. By consulting original archives of the National Museum of Nature and Science of Japan (hereafter, NMNS), we retrace the main steps of her solar-observing career, from 1945 to 1996. We also present the reconstruction of a full digital database of her sunspot observations at the NMNS, with her original drawings and logbooks. Here, we extend the availability of her observational data from 1947-1984 to 1945-1996. Comparisons with the international sunspot number (version 2) and with the group sunspot number series show a good global stability of Koyama's observations, with only temporary fluctuations over the main interval 1947-1982. Identifying drawings made by alternate observers throughout the series, we find that a single downward baseline shift in the record coincides with the partial contribution of replacement observers mostly after 1983. We determine the correction factor to bring the second part (1983-1996) to the same scale with Koyama's main interval (1947-1982). We find a downward jump by 9% after 1983, which then remains stable until 1996. Overall, the high quality of Koyama's observations with her life-long dedication leaves a lasting legacy of this exceptional personal achievement. With this comprehensive recovery, we now make the totality of this legacy directly accessible and exploitable for future research.