HelioCloud Leads Heliophysics Research into the Cloud Computing Revolution
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 12, 2023

In a significant development for heliophysics research, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has unveiled HelioCloud, a collaborative, cloud-based platform designed to transform how scientists and students access, analyze, and visualize the vast and complex datasets inherent to the study of the sun and its influence on the solar system.

HelioCloud emerges as a novel solution for the heliophysics community, offering a streamlined, web-browser-based interface that simplifies the process of conducting research. This free, open-source tool is particularly noteworthy for its capacity to handle large volumes of data. With storage capabilities up to ten thousand times greater than most laptops, HelioCloud facilitates the analysis of big data directly in the cloud, allowing researchers to download only the results of their inquiries.

The platform's high-performance computing capabilities are a standout feature. Users can run code, as well as plot and analyze data, without the need for downloading any additional software. This approach not only expedites research processes but also democratizes access to advanced computational resources.

Researchers seeking a more personalized experience can opt to download and install HelioCloud as a virtualized operating system container. This container includes a comprehensive software stack, complete with heliophysics applications written in Python, such as SunPy and PySPEDAS, and integrated development environments like Daskhub and Jupyter Notebooks. This flexibility caters to those who prefer working with software stored locally on their computers.

A remarkable aspect of HelioCloud is its integration with NASA's Heliophysics Digital Resource Library (HDRL), which contributes a staggering 600 terabytes of data to the platform's searchable registry. This vast repository of information underscores HelioCloud's role as a central hub for heliophysics data.

The platform's open science framework is another critical component. It breaks down traditional barriers to collaboration by enabling multipoint access to shared data, code, and analysis tools in a secure environment. Users can automatically access data made public by NASA and other HelioCloud communities, fostering an inclusive and collaborative research atmosphere.

As a community-based project supported by NASA, HelioCloud is inviting researchers from various institutions, including NASA and other research labs, as well as universities, to participate as users or developers. This invitation extends the platform's reach, potentially accelerating advancements in heliophysics research.

Related Links
HelioCloud
Solar Science News at SpaceDaily