Solar and Meteorological Surface Observational Network (SAMSON)

The Solar and Meteorological Surface Observational Network (SAMSON) 3-volume CD-ROM set is divided geographically into regions: Eastern, Central, and Western United States. The data set contains hourly solar radiation data along with selected meteorological elements for the period 1961-1990. It encompasses 237 NWS stations in the United States, plus offices in Guam and Puerto Rico. The data set includes both observational and modeled data. The hourly solar elements are: extraterrestrial horizontal and extraterrestrial direct normal radiation; and global, diffuse, and direct normal radiation. Meteorological elements are: total and opaque sky cover; temperature and dew point; relative humidity; pressure; wind direction (true north) and speed; visibility; ceiling height; present weather; precipitable water; aerosol optical depth; snow depth; days since last snowfall; and hourly precipitation. This is a joint NOAA National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) product. DOS only.

The individual CD-ROMS are sold as follows:

Western Region: WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, CO, NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT, AK, HI, GUAM AND PACIFIC ISL.

Central Region: ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, LA, AR, MS, MO, IL, IN, IA, MI, WI, MN

Eastern Region: ME, VT, NH, NY, MA, CT, RI, PA, OH, WV, VA, TN, KY, NC, SC, GA, FL AL, MD, DE, NJ, SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO