Improvements to the NSO Farside Mapping Pipeline: Noise Reduction Updates

TL;DR

This paper presents updates to the NSO Farside Mapping Pipeline that improve the accuracy and consistency of helioseismic maps, enhancing solar active region detection for space weather monitoring.

Contribution

The paper introduces noise reduction updates to the pipeline, advancing the methodology and reliability of farside solar mapping using helioseismic holography.

Findings

More accurate farside maps produced

Enhanced reliability of active region detection

Strengthened utility for space weather forecasting

Abstract

The National Solar Observatory (NSO)'s Farside Pipeline is a critical tool of the space weather industry. It enables the detection and tracking of solar active regions that have rotated to the farside (invisible surface) of the Sun without relying on direct observational platforms such as satellites. By applying the technique of helioseismic holography to continuous Doppler images of the front side (visible surface), the pipeline infers the size and location of these regions through the acoustic signatures. These farside maps, produced using data from the NSO's GONG Network, allow scientists and solar observers to monitor the behavior of solar active regions. They support efforts to protect vital telecommunications and national interest infrastructure. While the data from this pipeline are widely used to many scientific, industrial, and national security applications, global helioseismic monitoring remains a developing field, with ongoing refinements in methodology and reliability. In this report, we will outline the updates made to the NSO's Farside Pipeline which have resulted in more accurate and consistent helioseismic maps, strengthening its value for both operational forecasting and scientific research.