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NASA Science: Heliophysics

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Big Questions
NASA Science pursues answers to the Big Questions surrounding our Sun, its environment, and its impact on our solar system.
Focus Areas
Overview of how NASA Science contributes to the study of heliophysics
Missions
NASA missions that contribute to the study of heliophysics

Virtual Solar Observatory (VSO)

The Virtual Solar Observatory (VSO) unites access to space- and ground-based observations of the Sun. This allows anyone who has an interest in solar data to find image and other data files to search using traditional instrument names, but also by type of data (e.g., "magnetogram") or by event (e.g., data associated with a particular solar flare or active region).

Data are accessible from all NASA missions, including the recent Hinode and STEREO as well as earlier missions such as SOHO and TRACE. A large number of important ground-based observatories (National Solar Observatory, Big Bear Solar Observatory, etc.) are also included. It is a continually evolving project, with new providers being added.