The Stanford Solar Observatory was established in 1974 to measure large scale magnetic fields and velocity 
changes on the solar surface, and was rededicated in 1985 in honor of founder John M. Wilcox after his death 
in 1983.  Global meanfield observations began in May of 1975 and low-resolution full-disk magnetographs 
started a year later in May of 1976.  Funding was initially provided by the US Navy, which was interested 
in how solar activity affects communications and navigation equipment during military operations.  Current 
research topics include the solar cycle, space weather and variations in the global field.  The current 
director is Dr. Todd Hoeksema.