Solex observations for the BASS2000 database, a collaboration PRO-AM

TL;DR

The paper presents the SOLEX project, a collaborative effort between professionals and amateurs to systematically observe the solar chromosphere and photosphere, contributing to the extensive BASS2000 solar database with high-quality daily images.

Contribution

It introduces the SOLEX spectroheliograph and details its role in a new PRO-AM collaboration for daily solar observations, enhancing the BASS2000 database.

Findings

Over 100,000 monochromatic images collected in CaII K and Hα.

Successful establishment of a global PRO-AM observing network.

Enhanced data for solar cycle studies.

Abstract

Systematic observations of the chromosphere and the photosphere started in Meudon Observatory 115 years ago with Deslandres spectroheliograph. An exceptional collection of more than 100 000 monochromatic images in CaII K and H$\alpha$ spanning more than 10 solar cycles is proposed to the international community by the BASS2000 solar database. We started in 2023 a ''PRO-AM'' collaboration between professional and amateur astronomers with the Solar Explorer (SOLEX), a compact and high quality spectroheliograph designed by Christian Buil, in order to record images every day, and several times per day, owing to tens of observing stations in various places. This paper summarizes the scientific objectives and provides practical and technical information to amateurs willing to join the observing network.