Remote distributed pipeline processing of GONG helioseismic data: Experience and lessons learned

The Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG) helioseismic network can create images of the farside of the Sun which frequently show the presence of large active regions that would be otherwise invisible. This ability to "see" through the sun is of potential benefit to the prediction of solar influences on the Earth, provided that the data can be obtained and reduced in a timely fashion. Thus, GONG is developing a system to A) perform initial data analysis steps at six geographically distributed sites, B) transmit the reduced data to a home station, C) perform the final steps in the analysis, and D) distribute the science products to space weather forecasters. The essential requirements are that the system operate automatically around the clock with little human intervention, and that the science products be available no more than 48 hours after the observations are obtained. We will discuss the design, implementation, testing, and current status of the system.