The full-disk solar absolute spectral irradiance in the spectral range 118--300 nm was obtained from a rocket observation above White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on July 25, 1983, halfway in time between solar maximum and solar minimum. Comparison with measurements made in May 1982 shows no changes within the absolute errors of the experiment. Comparison with measurements made during solar maximum in 1979 and 1980 indicates a large decrease in the absolute solar irradiance at wavelengths below 190 nm. The absolute calibration of the instruments for this flight was accomplished at the National Bureau of Standards Synchrotron Radiation Facility. |