SUNRISE is a high-resolution solar observatory that can observe the structure and dynamics of the sun’s magnetic field, down to a resolution of about 60 miles across. With its one-meter mirror, Sunrise is the largest solar telescope to fly above the atmosphere.
The SUNRISE payload will rise up on a 34-million cubic foot NASA scientific balloon. Filled with helium, the initial shape of the balloon is long and narrow, because it is compressed by the air around it. The balloon and flight train is about as tall as the Eiffel Tower at the point, almost 1,000 feet high, but quite thin. Dangling from beneath the balloon and parachute is the gondola carrying the telescope, weighing in at over 7,000 pounds. As the balloon rises, up to 20 miles high – well above 99% of the atmosphere – the helium in the balloon naturally expands, increasing the diameter of the balloon to some 400 feet across.
Sunrise was launched from Esrange Space Center near Kiruna, Sweden in June, 2013 and, after five days drifting over the Atlantic, it landed on the remote Boothia Peninsula in northern Canada, gathering information about the chromosphere throughout its journey.
Image Credit: MPS/S. Solanki
› Link to associated launch news item› Link to associated science results news item› View June 2009 Sunrise Telescope Balloon Launch Credit: UCAR