Comparison of GONG+ and GONG images

This image shows the benefit expected when the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) stations for studying oscillations of the Sun are upgraded to the new GONG+ camera system. Magnetic features are more conspicuous in the GONG+ image (upper panel) than in the simultaneous GONG classic image (lower panel), as only one polarization state is detected. During normal operations, the polarization will be modulated rapidly during a 60-second integration, and separate velocity and magnetic images will be obtained. See the article in the NOAO June 2000 newsletter.