The method of frequency inversion reveals that within the quoted observational errors, it is possible to achieve a precision of ∼ 10−3 in the sound speed determination through most of the Sun’s interior. Only for r < 0.05R⊙ is the precision ∼ 10−2. The accuracy of the density and pressure determinations is only slightly worse. Such restrictions impose significant constraints on the microscopic physical data, i.e. opacities, nuclear reaction cross-sections, and diffusion coefficients as well as on the solar age. The helioseismic age is consistent with that from meteorites.

Recently released low-l solar oscillation data from the BISON network combined with BBSO data yield the most up-to-date solar seismic model of the Sun’s interior. For the core, the solar seismic model from the new data are consistent with the best, current standard solar models. An astrophysical solution to the solar neutrino problem fades away.