Continuous H-alpha Imaging Network (CHAIN)

It is very important for understanding and prediction of the space weather situation to accurately observe erupting phenomena on the solar surface that are initial boundary conditions of all processes. Therefore, we are preparing to create a world-wide observational network with ground-based solar telescopes that is called as "Continuous H-alpha Imaging Network (CHAIN) project".

The aim of this project is 24-hour continuous observation of the three-dimensional velocity fields of filament eruptions and shock-wave structures on the whole solar surface. The Flare Monitoring Telescope (FMT) that was constructed in 1992 at Hida observatory can simultaneously observe the full-disk Sun at different wavelengths around H-alpha absorption line, so we can measure the three-dimensional velocity field of the chromospheric gas motion on the full-disk Sun.

We plan to use the FMT-type telescopes for the CHAIN-project. We already selected Peru as the country where the 1st oversea FMT will be installed, and we are preparing the installation aiming to start the operation of the FMT in Peru by the end of 2009 before the maximum phase of the solar cycle 24. On the other hand, we have received several informal offers to participate in the CHAIN project from other countries or institutes. In those countries, Algeria is located in the most suitable longitude in the meaning that it can cover the period between the evening of Japan and the morning of Peru. Then, we intend to actually visit and investigate possible sites in Algeria (Aures area, Tamanrasset area) in May 2008 with being supported by CRAAG of Algeria. Such international cooperation will also promote worldwide spread of the solar physics and space weather research

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