There are several ways to view and analyze RHESSI data.

• View prepared plots of RHESSI lightcurves, spectrograms, and flare images and spectra through the RHESSI Quicklook Browser and the RHESSI Flare Image Archive.
• View the full RHESSI flare list.
• Use IDL interactively on your computer to run RHESSI programs to process RHESSI data.

Using IDL to Analyze RHESSI Data

The third option above, using IDL directly, gives you the most power.   The RHESSI software is part of the SolarSoft (SSW) system, so you will need to install SSW as well as IDL. See the Installation instructions and the RHESSI FAQ for instructions on SSW installation and RHESSI SSW setup.

Once SSW IDL for RHESSI is set up, you will need access to some RHESSI data files.  See the RHESSI Data Access guide for an explanation of the types of data that are available and how to retrieve them.  If your site does not have a local archive of the RHESSI data, take note of the discussion on the automatic method of copying files as they're needed (via search_network, /enable) - it's the easiest, safest method.

The simplest way to run the RHESSI software is through the RHESSI GUI.  Just type hessi (in SSW IDL) to start it.  There's a GUI User's Guide if you need help.

To use the full functionality of the RHESSI software, use IDL's Command Line Interface (CLI) to call RHESSI routines. And for the most flexibility, use the GUI and CLI together

Learn more about the imaging software and the different image reconstruction algorithms, spectroscopy software, and more by clicking the links on the left.

Staying Informed about RHESSI Data Analysis

An archive of messages sent to the RHESSI data analysis community is maintained here.  If you'd like to subscribe to the list, go to the RHESSI  Analysis Project Descriptions and click the link for 'Add Email Address'.  

You can also subscribe to the Max Millennium Science  or Message of the Day Lists.

The RHESSI  Analysis Project Descriptions also provides a list of current or past projects using RHESSI data.  If you intend to use RHESSI data to study a specific subject, you might want to submit an entry to this list to let others know.

A list of all RHESSI publications is provided here.

A reverse chronological history of RHESSI Data Analysis Software Changes is located here.