March 6, 2015: Proper first light of BF15/SM-II 60 combination; FIREWORKS!!

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

To cut to the chase: I have NEVER had a better view of the sun in H-alpha. That is not just the filter performing very nicely indeed, but the sun is putting on an amazing show in H-alpha at the moment. There are many proms all around the disk, and many filaments and plage areas, but the show is stolen by a huge set of loops northwards on the eastern limb (pointed out this morning by nytecam here: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/238456-fine-active-looped-prom-east-limb-now/). Absolutely fantastic. Loads of fine structure visible, and the image was bright and steady enough to zoom in to 7.5mm on the WO Zoom EP (53.3x). I even had a go with the SLV5mm which gave some nice detail during steady patches of seeing at 80x. I think a 6mm would be even better.

[JB80]

Sounds like an excellent first light and you are right about the action on the Sun.

That looped area has substantially grown since I saw it.

[Chinapig]

It looks stunning - been enjoying a blow-out Quark-fest during the last hour or so.

Some amazing proms, very beautiful, very active.

Gaping in awe and wonder...

And still some time before sunset!

Cheers all

Simon

[Luke]

Nice report as ever and well done getting a piece of the action, Michael

It struck me that the disc is almost blank of spots, yet all these proms... I was thinking it might be a quiet day. Just shows, you never know with the sun.