On September 23, 2006, Japan launched Hinode (SOLAR-B), its third solar Observation satellite. Hinode - the Japanese word for sunrise - is the successor to Yohkoh, which gained international renown over the course of its ten-year mission. Scientists around the world plan to use Hinode's three on-board telescopes to study the Sun's eruptive phenomena. Hinode will also contribute to space weather forecasting, helping predict the Sun's influence on the Earth. Project Manager Takeo Kosugi shares his passion for Hinode with us.
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In addition to achieving great Observational results with the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii, NAOJ is contributing to Hinode as a core developer of the mission. Prof. Sakurai is an expert in solar magnetic field Observation, which is a primary objective of Hinode. He talks about his research plans for the satellite.
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Prof. Shibata's research interest is the phenomena of cosmic explosions. He is involved in research on a wide range of astrophysical objects, including the Sun, and is now also engaged in basic research on space weather forecasting. He describes the attraction to Hinode from the point of view of his experience with the Yohkoh project.
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Hinode is the world's first satellite to observe solar vector magnetic fields. Dr. Tarbell was in charge of developing the instrument used to make the Observations. He is also interested in space education and is promoting data collected by Yohkoh as educational materials for youth. Dr. Tarbell speaks about his views about international cooperation in solar Observation.
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The Sun is the star closest to us. Since solar activity has such a great impact on the Earth, studying the Sun is very important in itself. In addition, it will help us understand the birth of other stars. Free from the influence of the Earth's atmosphere, space-based Observation can capture very fine images of dynamic solar activity. An introduction of the main achievements by solar Observation satellites thus far.
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