SunMap: A Solar Image Processing Software for Obtaining Synoptic Maps

Abstract

A new open-source software, called SunMap, has been developed to obtain synoptic maps in an easy and quick way from multiple full-disc solar images. Our objective is to provide a free and straightforward application for heliophysicists and geophysicists interested in generating solar synoptic maps. SunMap allows comparison of structures and patterns of solar activity over various periods. Thus, the short- and long-term evolution of solar regions of interest can be studied. To reach this goal, different solar images taken day by day are stored in a single map that uses a sequence of images and allows the positioning of each observable element on it. A simple comparison between a synoptic map generated by SunMap and another previously constructed map is presented to show the versatility of this new available software.