# Solar Dynamics Observatory

> solar observatory

**Wikidata**: [Q382494](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q382494)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Dynamics_Observatory)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/solar-dynamics-observatory

## Summary
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a solar observatory and space telescope designed to study the Sun. Launched on February 11, 2010, it is operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and orbits the Earth in a geosynchronous orbit. The spacecraft is equipped with three scientific instruments to observe solar activity across a full wavelength range.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** February 11, 2010
- **Launch Vehicle:** Atlas V 401
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41
- **Operator:** Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA)
- **Orbit:** Geosynchronous orbit
- **COSPAR ID:** 2010-005A
- **SCN:** 36395
- **Instruments:** Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment
- **Instance of:** Solar probe, Space telescope
- **Website:** https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Solar Dynamics Observatory launched?
A: The Solar Dynamics Observatory was launched on February 11, 2010, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41.

### Q: What instruments are onboard the Solar Dynamics Observatory?
A: The observatory carries three main instruments: the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment.

### Q: Who operates the Solar Dynamics Observatory?
A: The mission is owned and operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center, a NASA space research laboratory established in 1959.

## Why It Matters
The Solar Dynamics Observatory serves as a critical tool for solar physics by maintaining a continuous eye on the Sun from a geosynchronous orbit. By utilizing a suite of three specialized instruments—the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, and Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment—the spacecraft provides comprehensive data on solar activity. This includes capturing imagery across the full wavelength range, which allows researchers to study solar dynamics, magnetic fields, and extreme ultraviolet irradiance. As a mission managed by NASA's first space flight center, the Goddard Space Flight Center, SDO represents a significant investment in understanding the star at the center of our solar system.

## Notable For
- Studying the Sun across the full wavelength range over long durations.
- Hosting a specific combination of three advanced scientific instruments (AIA, HMI, EVE).
- Operating in a geosynchronous orbit, which allows for continuous data transmission.
- Being a key solar probe operated by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

## Body
### Mission Overview
The Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is classified as a solar probe and space telescope. Its primary function is that of a solar observatory. The spacecraft was launched on February 11, 2010, utilizing an Atlas V 401 launch vehicle provided by United Launch Alliance. It lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 41. Following launch, the observatory entered a geosynchronous orbit.

### Ownership and Operation
The entity is part of the Goddard Space Flight Center, which serves as both the owner and operator. Goddard is a NASA space research laboratory established on May 1, 1959, located in the United States with headquarters in Greenbelt.

### Scientific Instrumentation
The spacecraft comprises three distinct components dedicated to scientific research:
- **Atmospheric Imaging Assembly**
- **Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager**
- **Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment**

Visualizations from the observatory cover time spans of up to 17 hours over the full wavelength range of the SDO.

### Identifiers and Designations
The Solar Dynamics Observatory is tracked under several international and agency-specific identifiers:
- **COSPAR ID:** 2010-005A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 36395
- **NSSDCA ID:** 2010-005A

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. YouTube API