Sunspots head up

Thanks for the kind words everyone.

Trev, I also tried using my newly acquired Baader Solar Continuum filter which supposedly gives even better results. However, I could not reach focus since the view was somewhat dim.

I also have a Baader ND3.8 which allows much more light to pass through and I suspect my next trial will be with the ND3.8 + Solar Continuum. If that also fails (due to a dim image), I will wait until my larger AP instrument arrives to try using the Solar Continuum again.

Peter, it is my understanding that the official names for our Sun and Moon are Sol and Luna respectively. Yes, I would have preferred Helios and Selene but I am stuck with the former pair ... I must admit that I often use Selene anyway.

PS. Trev, I suggest that you always use the UV-IR/Cut filter so that your net signal will always be purely the visible spectrum. This is the case even for DSO work or, otherwise, your stars will have a purple ring around them (the IR doing its dirty work).

Hi Anthony,

I'm kicking myself that I sold my continuum filter. It really does make a difference when used with ND3.8. The areas around the sunspots jump out more. It's a bit odd to see the solar disc in bright green when used visually though

Here are my attempts from today at noon. I never get tired at seeing this stuff.

closeup


wide view in white light

bigger version here
farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/533013194_5e9a755db9_o.jpg

Couldn't use my IR cutoff as it was only 1.25" :oops:

Trev
[/img]

PS. Trev, I suggest that you always use the UV-IR/Cut filter so that your net signal will always be purely the visible spectrum. This is the case even for DSO work or, otherwise, your stars will have a purple ring around them (the IR doing its dirty work).

Yep, I always use it for DSOs although I haven't been doing much of that recently. It makes a huge difference in decreasing star bloat.

Cheers,

Trev

Hi Anthony,

I'm kicking myself that I sold my continuum filter. It really does make a difference when used with ND3.8. The areas around the sunspots jump out more. It's a bit odd to see the solar disc in bright green when used visually though

Aha, thanks for the tip and confirmation surrounding the use of the ND3.8.

Is the combination of ND3.8 + Solar Continuum safe for visual work so that we can first focus for a minute and then setting the camera loose?

Before I forget, nice photos from today! I am out of action until Friday due to rains and clouds.

Hi Anthony,

Is the combination of ND3.8 + Solar Continuum safe for visual work

The ND3.8 is only safe for visual use if you have an IR cutoff filter in the optical train as it lets too much infra-red through.

Trev