Astronomy and solar physics: solar irradiance observations

The absolute radiometer on Spacelab 1 was used to obtain solar irradiance observations from space. A number of effects must be taken into account in the data reduction. A provisional value was obtained for the mean solar constant during the observation period (6 to 8 December 1983).     

Astronomy and solar physics: measurement of the solar spectral irradiance from 200 to 3000 nanometers

The solar spectrum experiment on Spacelab 1 measured 98 percent of the sun's total energy output. It improved the absolute accuracy of solar irradiance data, especially in the ultraviolet and infrared regions. In order to detect any variation in the spectrum on future shuttle flights, the data were obtained in a radiation scale that can be preserved with high precision over many years. The instrument performance and preliminary data reduction are described.     

Astronomy and solar physics: very-wide-field ultraviolet sky survey

Very-wide-field photographs of the sky were taken on Spacelab 1 at 1650, 1930, and 2530 angstroms with a limiting magnitude of 9.3 at 1930 angstroms. A 1.2 by 2.4 kiloparsec ultraviolet extension of the Shapley wing of the Small Magellanic Cloud is seen in some of the photographs.