THE SOHO PAYLOAD CAN BE DIVIDED IN THREE SEGMENTS:
∑ The helioseismology payload consists of two velocity spectrometers (GOLF and MDI) and several radiometers (VIRGO). They provide data for the study of the structure and dynamics of the solar interior, from the very deep core to the outmost layers. They can measure the velocity and intensity of solar oscillations, investigate non periodic variations of the 'solar constant', and determine its value.
∑ The coronal payload consists of several remote-sensing instruments (CDS, EIT, LASCO, SUMER, UVCS) which are designed to study the structure and dynamics of the outer solar atmosphere; and one instrument (SWAN) to measure the ionised cavity which the solar wind blows into the interstellar hydrogen breeze.
∑ The solar-wind and particle payload consists of mass spectrometers (CELIAS) and particle analysers (COSTEP, ERNE) which analyze the solar wind and energetic particles near the Earth's orbit.
