The Concept of NSO SPRING
Luca Bertello, Sanjay Gosain, Frank Hill, Alexei A. Pevtsov, Valentin M. Pillet

Abstract

We would like to present the concept of SPRING (Solar Physics Research Integrated Network Group) as a proposed network, lead by the US National Solar Observatory (NSO) Integrated Synoptic Program (NISP). SPRING is designed as a ground-based network of 6-8 sites of identical multi-wavelength imaging spectropolarimeters that would provide vector magnetic fields and Doppler velocities measurements as a function of height in the solar atmosphere. It will also include a multi-instrument equatorial mounting platform for additional instruments, such as multi-slit spectropolarimeter for low-cadence and high-spectral resolution observations. This data will provide information on the structure and dynamics of active regions from the sub-photosphere (through helioseismology) to the transition region. SPRING will also provide solar data for space weather research and forecasting.