The solar radio patrol network of the USAF and its application

Through the conceptual and-equipment development work and the continuing technical guidance of Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories (AFCRL), the first uniform global network of solar radio monitoring has been established to make accurate routine observations of the sun at frequencies from 245 to 35 000 MHz. From research carried out at AFCRL, several important techniques have been developed having operational, scientific, and forecasting applications. First, the U-shape spectral criteria were developed for a yes-no prediction of principal polar cap absorption (PCA) events. Later, the use of integrated flux density of large bursts was used to forecast the proton flux and magnitude (decibel absorption) of the PCA resulting from the solar disruption. Comprehensive statistical studies of the spectral properties of radio bursts have led to a better understanding of burst-region parameters. More recently, studies of the burst spectral development for spectacular events have been used to investigate the mechanism involved in particle and nonradio emission to ultimately predict the probable spectra of energetic particles and to suggest the times of maximum accelerations during the parent flare.