Solar irradiance modulation by active regions during 1980

The solar irradiance modulation due to active regions during 1980 has been investigated in detail. Specifically, we estimate the uncertainties caused by ground-based data used as input in the modeling effort, and by our currently incomplete knowledge of the proper parameters that describe the angular variation of sunspot and facular contrasts. We conclude that the most significant uncertainties are due to errors in area measurements and, possibly, varying spot and facular brightness. A 'standard model' for later use is derived by a best-fit technique of the currently available ACRIM irradiance data and the predictions of our models with appropriately varied parameters. Finally, we compute the expected irradiance for the entire year of 1980. (orig.)