Operation and Application of High-Resolution Full-Disk Global H-alpha Network

Support is provided for the continued operation of a worldwide network of sites to view the full solar disk at high-resolution in the H-alpha hydrogen resonance line. Nominally, each of the 5 stations obtains an H-alpha image every minute with 1 arcsecond pixel resolution. These unique observations are rapidly communicated to the solar-terrestrial community, and provide critical contextual background for the interpretation of satellite data as well as material for student education and research activities. In-house scientific investigations to be pursued include, (1) the study of lateral filament oscillations, (2) the association of filament eruptions with coronal mass ejections, (3) magnetic field characterization through combined analysis of H-alpha, Global Oscillations Network Group (GONG), and Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) data, and (4) micro-flare studies through co-ordinated use of Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) X-ray observations and H-alpha network data.